On December 7th, the aquarium announced that their (0.1) bowmouth guitarfish named Sweet Pea passed away at age 19.
We are deeply saddened to share the... - Newport Aquarium
We are deeply saddened to share the... - Newport Aquarium
Newport Aquarium Newport aquarium News
- Thread starter okapikpr
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On January 5th, 2024, the aquarium announced they acquired a (0.0.1+?) rosy rockfish which is now on exhibit in the Pacific Coast Tunnel exhibit.
Newport Aquarium
Newport Aquarium
Jonathan Petersson
Well-Known Member
The Sand Tiger Sharks that were wild caught in 2022 passed away sometime last year and the cause of death has not been shared outside of management. Newport has been very secretive even amongst their own personnel lately with many not knowing what has happened to certain animals etc. The aquarium has overall had harsh reviews from their own staff and it has been upsetting to watch its decline over the last couple years. Until the Herschend Family Entertainment Corp. sells the aquarium I am afraid we are just going to keep seeing this cycle of negligence and deterioration of the aquarium. The Sharks habitat now just has Blacktip Reef Shark and Bowmouth Guitarfish shark species wise but they still claim to be the "Shark Capital of the Midwest" (Clearly they have never heard of Shedd before 
). Otherwise the aquarium is not as grand as it used to be. Penguin colony has shrunk considerably and the habitat is in need of maintenance. Many aquariums only contain a basic few number of fish and attendance has is starting to be somewhat of an issue.
). Otherwise the aquarium is not as grand as it used to be. Penguin colony has shrunk considerably and the habitat is in need of maintenance. Many aquariums only contain a basic few number of fish and attendance has is starting to be somewhat of an issue.
What is your source for any of this info?The Sand Tiger Sharks that were wild caught in 2022 passed away sometime last year and the cause of death has not been shared outside of management. Newport has been very secretive even amongst their own personnel lately with many not knowing what has happened to certain animals etc. The aquarium has overall had harsh reviews from their own staff and it has been upsetting to watch its decline over the last couple years. Until the Herschend Family Entertainment Corp. sells the aquarium I am afraid we are just going to keep seeing this cycle of negligence and deterioration of the aquarium. The Sharks habitat now just has Blacktip Reef Shark and Bowmouth Guitarfish shark species wise but they still claim to be the "Shark Capital of the Midwest" (Clearly they have never heard of Shedd before
Jonathan Petersson
Well-Known Member
As for the shark deaths a childhood friend of mine is a diver at the aquarium, no official announcement ever came from Newport sadly. The rest can be heard from many former employees, posts online, and visits to the aquarium. Hope this helped some!
On February 17th, the aquarium announced that (0.0.2+) dwarf seahorses hatched in December which are on display.
Newport Aquarium
Newport Aquarium
On March 13th, the aquarium announced that they acquired (0.0.2) yellow boxfish which are now on display in the Shores gallery.
Newport Aquarium
On March 20th, the aquarium announced they renovated the Ring of Fire: World of the Octopus gallery, which is reopening to the public on March 22nd. New species for the facility include wunderpus octopus, mosshead warbonnet, penpoint gunnel, peacock mantis shrimp, and giant isopod, as well as a new exhibit for their giant Pacific octopus.
Newport Aquarium
Ring of Fire: World of the Octopus
Newport Aquarium
On March 20th, the aquarium announced they renovated the Ring of Fire: World of the Octopus gallery, which is reopening to the public on March 22nd. New species for the facility include wunderpus octopus, mosshead warbonnet, penpoint gunnel, peacock mantis shrimp, and giant isopod, as well as a new exhibit for their giant Pacific octopus.
Newport Aquarium
Ring of Fire: World of the Octopus
Some really cool species!
ZooNerd
Well-Known Member
Snowball, the male albino alligator, has unfortunately passed away at the age of 21. Definitely one of my favorite animals at the aquarium. He will be deeply missed.
Newport Aquarium on Instagram: "We’re deeply saddened to share that Snowball, the rare albino alligator, has passed away. Snowball was a tremendous ambassador for his species for 21 years, teaching all who met him about conservation and the alligator’s vital role in the health of wetland ecosystems. Fewer than 100 albino alligators are known to exist worldwide, and their survival rate in the wild is low due to their lack of camouflage and sensitivity to ultraviolet rays. Our thoughts are with the animal care and guest experience teams who knew him best, as they’ve lost a close friend. Please join us in celebrating Snowball’s life by sharing your favorite memories."
Newport Aquarium on Instagram: "We’re deeply saddened to share that Snowball, the rare albino alligator, has passed away. Snowball was a tremendous ambassador for his species for 21 years, teaching all who met him about conservation and the alligator’s vital role in the health of wetland ecosystems. Fewer than 100 albino alligators are known to exist worldwide, and their survival rate in the wild is low due to their lack of camouflage and sensitivity to ultraviolet rays. Our thoughts are with the animal care and guest experience teams who knew him best, as they’ve lost a close friend. Please join us in celebrating Snowball’s life by sharing your favorite memories."
On February 19th, the aquarium announced they acquired 2+ little skates, which are on display in the Tide Pool Touch tank.
Newport Aquarium
On March 21st, the aquarium opened a new gallery called Jellies: Go With the Flow to the public. Exhibits include those for Atlantic sea nettle, blue blubber jellyfish, dwarf lion's mane jellyfish, white-spotted jellyfish, as well as an exhibit for upside-down jellyfish (species not specified) and a new exhibit for their moon jellies.
2.8K views · 110 reactions | And with that, Jellies: #GoWithTheFlow is NOW OPEN. Dive into the mesmerizing world of these graceful and hypnotic animals. SAVE by getting your tickets online in advance with the link in bio. | Newport Aquarium
On July 8th, it was announced that the aquarium transferred 2+ corals (of presumed various, unspecified species) to Boonshoft Museum of Discovery in Ohio.
Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
* Worth noting that the aquarium acquired 2 axolotls (on display in Gator Alley) in April 2024, and 2 zebra sharks and a female (0.1) bowmouth guitarfish named Shan in June 2024, while 3 Orinoco crocodiles were transferred to another facility to be released into the wild in August 2024. Also worth noting that 2+? wolf eels were born in October 2024, and a female (0.1) bowmouth guitarfish named Sunshine passed away at age 16 in July 2024.
Newport Aquarium
On March 21st, the aquarium opened a new gallery called Jellies: Go With the Flow to the public. Exhibits include those for Atlantic sea nettle, blue blubber jellyfish, dwarf lion's mane jellyfish, white-spotted jellyfish, as well as an exhibit for upside-down jellyfish (species not specified) and a new exhibit for their moon jellies.
2.8K views · 110 reactions | And with that, Jellies: #GoWithTheFlow is NOW OPEN. Dive into the mesmerizing world of these graceful and hypnotic animals. SAVE by getting your tickets online in advance with the link in bio. | Newport Aquarium
On July 8th, it was announced that the aquarium transferred 2+ corals (of presumed various, unspecified species) to Boonshoft Museum of Discovery in Ohio.
Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
* Worth noting that the aquarium acquired 2 axolotls (on display in Gator Alley) in April 2024, and 2 zebra sharks and a female (0.1) bowmouth guitarfish named Shan in June 2024, while 3 Orinoco crocodiles were transferred to another facility to be released into the wild in August 2024. Also worth noting that 2+? wolf eels were born in October 2024, and a female (0.1) bowmouth guitarfish named Sunshine passed away at age 16 in July 2024.