National Aquarium — Aquarium in Baltimore

National Aquarium and its collection

National Aquarium, opened in 1981, is an aquarium in Baltimore, United States.

The aquarium holds over 2.2 million US gallons of water, more than 17,000 specimens and over 750 species. It draws 1.5 million visitors a year and is the state's biggest tourist attraction.

History

The idea came in the mid-1970s from the mayor, William Donald Schaefer, and the housing commissioner, Robert C. Embry, as part of the redevelopment of the Inner Harbor, and was prompted by a trip to the New England Aquarium in Boston. It opened on 8 August 1981, built while the city was being renewed.

Animals and collection

Animals on show include Channeled Whelk, Green Sea Turtle, Giant South American River Turtle and Upside-Down Jelly.

Exhibits

A building on Pier 4 opened in December 1990, housing bottlenose dolphins in a 1.3-million-gallon facility. Australia: Wild Extremes was built as a large walk-in aviary in which flying animals move freely.

Things to do

Things to do include Daily Dolphin Training Session, Insider's Tour, VR Experiences, Animal Care and Rescue Center Tour and Aquarium Sleepover.

Conservation and approach

Since 2011 it has served as the state affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. Animals rehabilitated and returned to the wild through its Marine Animal Rescue Program have included turtles, a manatee, porpoises, pilot whales and pygmy sperm whales, as well as seals and dolphins.

What the venue says

• Dolphin Tour
• Animal Encounter
• There is a main café located inside offering harbor-view seating, sandwiches, wraps, salads, kids' meals, and allergy-friendly choices.
• The aquarium does not own a dedicated parking garage, but it partners with several nearby secure garages offering discounted validation rates for visitors:
• Guests can be dropped off directly in front of the aquarium at Gunther Circle.
• All public areas are wheelchair accessible, and elevators link the exhibit levels.
• Wheelchair-accessible stalls and family restrooms are available.
• A private guest relations room is available on Level 1 of the _Blue Wonders_ exhibit for visitors needing a quiet break.
• They also host a "First Access" program allowing guests with disabilities early entry on select mornings.
• Audio wireless tours, Braille tours, and tactile "touch bags" are available to borrow.
• The 4D Immersion Theater features seat-mounted closed captioning and assistive listening devices.
• Printed scripts for presentations and animal feedings can be requested at Guest Services.