National Aquarium

It's Shark and Ray Awareness Day! Did you know that over 1,200 species of sharks and rays are in our ocean, all of which help shape and manage their respective ecosystems? 🦈 Learn more about how we work with Lady Ray, a reticulated whiptail ray, in our Blacktip Reef Exhibit.

Gwynns Falls is one of four subwatersheds within Baltimore, along with Baltimore Harbor, Jones Falls and Back River. Together, these four areas encompass 194 square miles of land, 454 miles of streams and more than a million residents. Explore the history behind Gwynn's Falls, from its early days as the birthplace of industry to its ties to environmental activism: https://bit.ly/4eN14BP

How can you tell a shark’s age? 🤔 The lengths, weights and growth rates of the sand tiger sharks in our Shark Alley exhibit allow our aquarists to estimate their age. For sharks that have resided at the Aquarium for many years, veterinary staff use ultrasound to look for abnormal masses or digestive tract changes that affect nutrient uptake. 🦈 Learn how our staff takes care of aging animals here at the Aquarium: https://bit.ly/3W6O2YT

There are many ways that individuals can help protect our ocean, from beach cleanups to plant-based diets. However, local, state and national governments can make larger-scale policy changes, like supporting renewable energy and limiting single-use plastic production. As #OceanMonth comes to a close and elections happen across the country, please consider using your voting power to elect officials who support conservation policies. Learn how to cast your vote for the ocean: https://bit.ly/4c6ZxEX

That's a wrap ... or is it? Although late Spring historically marks the end of our sea turtle and seal rescue seasons, an alarming trend of year-round strandings and more intensive cases is causing alarm. Learn why these cases are becoming more common and how our team is learning to adapt: https://bit.ly/4c2Pb9a

Kelp and sargassum and coccolithophores, oh my! 💚 These three types of algae are some of the ocean's unsung heroes. Algae are found in almost every aquatic environment and are at the base of the food chain, making them a crucial food source. Learn more about them: https://bit.ly/3KQp1uq

On June 15, Aquarium staff joined the Pride Parade lineup in Baltimore City to celebrate our community and staff. Staff passed out holographic stickers, blew bubbles, and were touched by the incredible support of the crowd and other parade members. 🏳️🌈 The LGBTQIA+ community has made critical contributions in conservation, research and marine science at the Aquarium and beyond. We are proud to work with and support this community and to welcome all people through our doors, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. To keep our online space a safe place for all, please review our social media community guidelines: https://bit.ly/3xEV6Cu

🗑️ ♻️ 🚯 This July, zoos and aquariums across North America will participate in the Plastic Free Ecochallenge. This challenge lists dozens of ways you can help reduce plastic pollution, from replacing plastic goods with wood and metal alternatives to learning about fossil fuel policies. Participants can choose actions that best match their needs and lifestyles. We acknowledge that completely removing plastic from our lives is impossible. Instead, this Ecochallenge should help us embrace imperfection in sustainability efforts and inspire us to get involved with our communities and local governments. Register with the National Aquarium team by July 1: https://bit.ly/3Rzi4BM

Plant parents know how hard it can be to control pests. 🌱 At the Aquarium, our horticulturist uses an ingenious trick to protect our plants with the help of thousands of tiny mouths.

After two months of rehabilitation, the grey seal Kelpie is almost ready to be released! In November 2023, we opened the Stranding Response Center in Ocean City, MD. The distance from Ocean City to our Baltimore Animal Care and Rescue Center was a challenge for both the rescued animals and the response team members. With the new center, we can respond to the animals' needs more efficiently and effectively. Read more about our Ocean City response team: https://bit.ly/4b7HH3w