Virginia Aquarium Virginia Aquarium

Two years later and none of that has happened :( I was looking at visiting again this weekend but even more is closed.
-The seals are currently BTS while work is done to refurbish their exhibit (sounds like a bigger one for them plus sea lions isn't happening?). The latest update is the acrylic has been buffed and they're starting on the rockwork.
-Ray touch pool is closed for refurbishment. They've put in new flooring, upgraded the deck and railing, and put a new gel coat in the pool.
-Part of the marsh pond loop is closed while they make the pond deeper and add a better walkway.
-Latest update on the South Building is they're adding water into the exhibits, which could take months to treat and prepare for the animals.
 
Significant news. Two Sunda Gharials/Tomistoma have hatched to the founder pair that were imported from Jong’s Crocodile Farm & Zoo in Malaysia in 2015. The pair were the first of their species to enter the country legally from a home range country since 1973 and have finally contributed to the SSP for the species. They are one of five breeding pairs currently in the regional population and represent the first viable new genetics in almost 50 years. Both hatchlings are believed to be female and are developing well: Woah, Baby!
 
WhistlingKite24 said:
Significant news. Two Sunda Gharials/Tomistoma have hatched to the founder pair that were imported from Jong’s Crocodile Farm & Zoo in Malaysia in 2015. The pair were the first of their species to enter the country legally from a home range country since 1973 and have finally contributed to the SSP for the species. They are one of five breeding pairs currently in the regional population and represent the first viable new genetics in almost 50 years. Both hatchlings are believed to be female and are developing well: Woah, Baby!
Click to expand...

Really fantastic news!!
 
Other 2022 News:

On February 15th, the aquarium announced they acquired a (1.0) harbor seal named Javier from the Long Island Aquarium in New York the week prior.

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On April 14th, the aquarium announced that (0.2) spotted eagle rays were born on January 26th.

Two Spotted Eagle Ray Pups Born at the Virginia Aquarium! | We're thrilled to announce the birth of two female spotted eagle rays at our facility! Our female ray Sadana gave birth to the pups in January, and our... | By Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center | Facebook

On April 29th, the aquarium announced that their (2.0) Komodo dragons named Kado and Bejo made their public debut and are now on exhibit.

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On June 1st, the aquarium announced they transferred (0.0.500+) bubble-tip anemones to 6 other unspecified facilities.

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On June 9th, the aquarium announced they acquired a (1.0) prehensile-tailed skink named Godzilla which is now used as an ambassador animal.

Godzilla's Pride Art! | Meet Godzilla! Godzilla is a prehensile-tailed skink and one of our newest animal residents. Since it's Pride month, he got his claws into some of our... | By Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center | Facebook

On June 30th, it was announced that the aquarium received $344,386 from the AZA and US Fish & Wildlife to care for endangered species.

More Than $9 Million Awarded for Endangered Species Care During Pandemic | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

On September 23rd, the aquarium announced that a (1.0) Komodo dragon named Sanchez passed away at age 17.

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*Misc News: Throughout the year, the aquarium rehabilitated and released sea turtles of various species back into the wild. On June 14th, the aquarium celebrated the 36th anniversary of the facility's grand opening. In July, the aquarium announced they bought a new dolphin-watching boat called "The Scout". In September, the aquarium announced that a new seasonal exhibit, called Rescue, opened to the public, as well as mentioned a mural was painted on the North Building.
 
On November 22nd, the aquarium announced that their harbor seals are back on exhibit after their exhibit underwent renovations. The aquarium also announced its (1.0) harbor seal named Javier made his public debut.

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This was announced last month, but not posted. The aquarium's South Building will be reopening in January 2024 after having been closed for over 5 years (!).

Virginia Aquarium’s South Building to open in January, after $28.9 million renovation.

Per the Virginia Aquarium's website;
The South Building opens to Members for a ticketed, exclusive opening experience on Saturday, January 13, and the building will open to the public on Sunday, January 14! This newly-renovated and expanded facility offers a variety of immersive experiences with interactive exhibits, kids’ play areas, touch pools, an observable veterinary care center, interactive water quality lab, and more. After a $28.9 million renovation and expansion, the South Building features over a dozen new species of animals, along with longstanding favorites, the North American River Otters.
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Other 2023 News:

On April 20th, the aquarium announced they moved their (1.0) loggerhead sea turtle named 25 from the Chesapeake Light Tower exhibit to the Norfolk Canyon exhibit.

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

On October 31st, the aquarium announced that they acquired (0.0.2) corn snakes which are now ambassador animals.

Candy Corn Snakes - Happy Halloween! | Who's that ssslithering through the candy corn? Our new (candy) corn snakes! We've recently welcomed two new corn snakes to our family of Animal... | By Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center | Facebook

On November 2nd, the aquarium announced that they moved (0.0.3+?) clownfish (species not specified) on exhibit in the Coral Lab area.

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

On November 13th, the aquarium announced that they acquired a (0.0.1) scrolled filefish which is on exhibit in the Red Sea tunnel exhibit.

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

On November 27th, the aquarium announced that a (1.0) North American river otter named Tippy passed away at age 16 due to intestinal lymphoma.

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

On December 18th, it was reported that the aquarium/City Council is currently looking for "alternative ownership and operational models" after it was reported that a recent evaluation of the facility would need $200-$300 million in repairs, maintenance, and expansion of the main building, and that taxpayers were subsidizing the aquarium at a rate of $8M a year.

On January 17th, 2024, it was reported that the aquarium wrote that they could complete the main building in $50-$75 million and that 2 private contractors are set to be interviewed in the coming weeks.

https://www.wtkr.com/news/in-the-co...ons-consider-change-of-ownership-for-aquarium
Aquarium foundation says renovations can be done for $50-$75M, instead of original amount 4 times that price

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Astrotom3000 said:
This was announced last month, but not posted. The aquarium's South Building will be reopening in January 2024 after having been closed for over 5 years (!).

Virginia Aquarium’s South Building to open in January, after $28.9 million renovation.

Per the Virginia Aquarium's website;
Click to expand...

On January 14th, the aquarium opened the South Building to the public, which includes 12+ new species for the facility including moon jellies, Pacific sea nettles, flame scallops, and decorator crabs, as well as unspecified species of mantis shrimp, sand dollars, and cuttlefish.

Virginia Aquarium opens renovated building with new exhibits and species
Virginia Aquarium welcomes a fresh catch of animals for renovated building – The Virginian-Pilot
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
 
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