Spring 2016 VAQ

SPRING 2016

Virginia Aquarium Quarterly

SMOKEY BEAR OUR NEW EXHIBIT

BLACK GOLD CONSERVATION IN ACTION

MEMBERSHIP QUICK FACTS CONTACT INFORMATION

9 –5

HOURS OF OPERATION

(757) 385-FISH

AM

VirginiaAquarium.com Membership@VirginiaAquarium.com

PM

Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas

DAILY ADMISSIONS PER MEMBERSHIP LEVEL

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center’s mission is to inspire conservation of the marine environment through education, research and sustainable practices.

2 4 6 OTTER

EDITOR Ellis Pawson ADVISOR Caryl Thompson CREATIVE DIRECTOR Savannah Kaylor

HEDGEHOG

Philanthropic memberships are also available.

At least one named cardholder must be present during each visit.

SPRING 2016, VOLUME 5, ISSUE 2 VAQ is published four times a year by the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation located at 717 General Booth Blvd., Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451.

CRAB

BIG SCREEN

SATURDAYS

MOVIES AT 7:50 pm | $3 Members $5 Non-members

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ashley Laginestra

MA R C H ‘80s Flashback 5 Hoosiers (PG)

M AY Comic-Con 7 Thor: The Dark World 3D (PG-13)

CONTRIBUTORS Karen Burns, Lynn Clements, Lisa Grigolite, Jennifer Hill, Matthew Klepeisz, Lori Lawson, Mary McCarthy, Mike Mizell, Alexis Rabon, Shawn Reid, Rachel Riesbeck, Krystle R. Rodrique, Craig Simmons, April Strickland, Mark Swingle, Colin Walker

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14 Guardians of the Galaxy 3D (PG-13)

(no movie)

19 Dirty Dancing (PG-13)

21 Ant-Man 3D (PG-13)

26 Ferris Beuller’s Day Off (PG-13)

28 The Avengers: Age of Ultron 3D (PG-13)

APRIL

J U N E Pride & Acceptance 4 Some Like It Hot (PG)

Cartoons

2 Despicable Me 3D (PG) 9 Despicable Me 2 3D (PG) 16 Frozen 3D (PG)

WE CARE ABOUT CONSERVATION

VAQ is printed with soy-based inks on post-consumer recycled paper.

11 The Bird Cage (R)

23 Frozen 3D

18 To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar (PG-13)

30 Frozen 3D

25 Billy Elliot (R)

Please remember to recycle VAQ when you’re finished reading & sharing it.

Trailers, show times, and tickets at

VirginiaAquarium.com/visit/movies

LY N N ’ S L I N E S

FEATURES

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SMOKEY BEAR & FRIENDS

LEARN THROUGH ADVENTURE We all learn differently and the Aquarium has something that will resonate with every age, gender, and style. Our events, unique summer camps, changing exhibits, and guided nature play sessions, offer adventures that bring learning to life and help you reconnect with your inner scientist.

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BANNING MICROBEADS

Learn by hearing: our incredible team of scientists work hard to bring you the most up-to-date, accurate, scientific information on our animals. We are constantly working to learn new things about our marine environment and our job is to pass that knowledge on to you.

Learn by seeing: experience the thrill of watching bottlenose dolphins swimming and jumping next to the Atlantic Explorer during a Dolphin Discoveries Sea Adventure. These boat trips build lifetime memories and combine adventure with education.

Learn by doing: climb through the tree tops at The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium and get an aerial view of Owls Creek and the protected salt marsh. Additional zip lines have been added since the park opened last June. Your next adventure is just a tree, or boat, away!

Learn through role models: according to a 2011 U.S. Census Bureau report, women represent just 26 percent of the science workforce and only 14 percent of teenage girls want to become scientists. I am happy that we are challenging this statistic. I am one of 34 women who leads a major aquarium or zoo in the United States and 60% of our scientific staff are women!

I hope you will visit soon and reconnect with your inner scientist.

21 SUPPORT 7

A 'TAIL' OF LOVE

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EVENT GUIDE

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JUST FOR KIDS

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EXPERT Q & A

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VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

20 CONSERVATION

Executive Director SPRING 2016 | VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY

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F I S H F I N AT I C

BLUEGILL SUNFISH 1 2 3 4

Bluegill are one of the most common freshwater species in North America, inhabiting almost every pond, stream, river and lake in the US.

Lepomis macrochirus

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Males compete for nesting areas in shallow waters. When females deposit eggs in the nest, males will guard the nest until they hatch. Bluegills in the Coastal River exhibit often create nests between May & September.

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The name bluegill comes from the iridescent blue spot on their gill cover.

A female bluegill can lay between 10,000 and 100,000 eggs at one time.

Bluegill are considered an invasive species in many countries where they have been introduced. In Panama, it’s believed they may have caused the extinction of a native freshwater species of fish.

VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | SPRING 2016

F E AT U R E

An Aquarium educator holds a colored ball, p r ov i d i n g r i v e r o t t e r s w i t h s e n s o r y - s o c i a l e n r i c h m e n t .

PLAY WITH A PURPOSE

BY ALEXI S R A BON

Tippy, one of the Aquarium’s North American river otters, knows that when a water cooler bottle is floating around the habitat, it’s time for a special snack. He’ll race over, hoping to see one of his favorite treats, hardboiled eggs, inside. Once he grasps the bottle in his webbed feet, he’ll swim rapidly, pushing it against the exhibit to retrieve the delicious treat. Sheldon isn’t far behind, hoping to salvage some leftovers from Tippy’s efforts.

On the opposite end of the Nature Trail, fishes and spotted eagle rays in the Red Sea Aquarium are using their senses to track down a KONG toy, well-known by dog owners. Aquarists stuff these durable rubber toys with a fish or vegetables. In a variation of hide and seek, educators move the items around, and sometimes even bury them to encourage the Aquarium inhabitants to investigate their surroundings. There are also crevices and crannies throughout the exhibit where divers hide the treat-filled goodies.

While snack time and games are always fun, these activities also serve a very important purpose. The Aquarium works to keep our animals

Norton, one of the Aquarium’s resident seals, plays with a mirror in his exhibit.

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physically and mentally active by including objects, activities, and environments that allow them to use their natural abilities and behaviors in exciting and stimulating ways. These tactics, known in the zoo and aquarium community as enrichment, help us provide the best possible care for our animals.

There are several types of enrichment that we use to enhance an animal’s overall well-being. These tactics

include manipulative, environmental/habitat, sensory, social, food, and training sessions.

Learn more about how we keep our animals healthy and happy on Saturday, April 16, during Play Date with the Animals. We will have additional activities, keeper talks, and training sessions during this bonus experience focusing on enrichment. This event is free with admission.

TYPES OF ENRICHMENT

Manipulative: Objects that can be handled by the animal, such as balls or car wash strips.

Social: Any interaction between animals, as well as interactions with humans (keepers and guests).

Training Sessions: These interactions provide mental stimulation and allow animals to choose to participate.

Sensory: Enrichment designed to stimulate an animal’s senses of taste, touch, hearing, smell, and sight.

Food: Special treats and regular dietary food items are presented to animals in different ways.

Environmental/Habitat: Changes to an animal’s living space; climbing structures, substrates, temperature and lighting patterns give Aquarium animals exciting experiences.

Sometimes it ‘rains’ in the hump headed lizard exhibit.

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A N I M A L F E AT U R E

A 'TAIL' OF LOVE B Y C O L I N WA L K E R

Do you feel it? Every year, in late fall, love is in the air for the Komodo dragons at the Virginia Aquarium. Teman, one of the males, and Jude, the Aquarium’s female, begin the breeding process.

These two dragons were matched in 2012 by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums’ Komodo dragon Species Survival Plan (SSP). This plan looks at animals and pairs them based on genetic compatibility.

Currently, there are 24 U.S. facilities that have dragon pairs and the majority of those animals are younger than six years old. Teman and Jude are one of the few pairs nationwide that have reached prime breeding age. With such a small domestic population, every successful breeding greatly increases the SSP’s longterm sustainability. The mating ritual is complex and our pair is inexperienced. They have not been successful yet, but they continue to improve every year.

Captive breeding is critical to the conservation of the Komodo dragon, especially due to two key factors of their natural history. First, they have a very small wild population; approximately 5,000 animals are left.

Second, their natural range is tiny; a total land area smaller than the city of Virginia Beach, spread over 5 different Indonesian islands. These islands were formed through volcanic activity, and a large enough volcanic eruption could potentially wipe out the entire wild population. Mount Tambora’s 1815 eruption, regarded as the largest eruption in recorded history, occurred only 100 miles from Komodo’s western shore. Other less cataclysmic, but more immediate risks include habitat encroachment and the poaching of Timor deer, the dragon’s primary prey.

Should their native habitat become uninhabitable due to any of these reasons, a genetically diverse and robust worldwide population of dragons in zoos and aquariums might one day be the only hope to save the species.

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SMOKEY BEAR & FRIENDS VISIT THE AQUARIUM’S NEWEST INTERACTIVE EXHIBIT! B Y M AT T H E W K L E P E I S Z

While we may be known for our waterway conservation efforts, the Virginia Aquarium is committed to inspiring conservation of wildlife and wild places throughout the world, ranging from forests and national parks all the way to the animals on our Nature Trail. These living sanctuaries allow native species to live and grow. Things like our composting program (highlighted on page 20), green housekeeping practices like using green cleaning supplies, and our partnering with green food and catering provider are some of the ways we work to help conserve our environment.

Teaching these important conservation messages from an early age is one of the ways we can continue to help protect our planet.

and the environment to families in our area. Some of our favorite programs include; Nurturing Naturalists, which shows families how they can organize outdoor nature play adventures on their own, and Mentoring Young Scientists, which provides middle school students an opportunity to study the marine environment through hands-on events and activities.

Building on this tradition of conservation education, the Aquarium’s newest changing exhibit, Smokey Bear & Woodsy Owl: Home Sweet Home, helps to teach families easy ways to help protect our planet’s forests and waterways, while bringing kids closer to nature, all with the help of beloved conservation and fire safety icons Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl.

Through the 30 year history of the Virginia Aquarium, we have worked closely with local, regional, and national partners to bring this respect for nature

FA M I L I E S C A N M E E T SMOKEY’S FOREST FRIENDS WHEN THEY VISIT THE EXHIBIT!

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VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | SPRING 2016

FA M I L I E S & AQ U A R I U M E D U C AT O R S S E A R C H FOR CRITTERS DURING A N U R T U R I N G N AT U R A L I S T S PROGRAM.

F E AT U R E CHILDREN CAN LEARN A B O U T T H E I M P O R TA N C E OF TREES.

K I D S A L S O H AV E THE OPPORTUNITY TO FISH FROM A S M A L L R OW B OAT.

Guests are invited to journey through urban, woodland, and stream settings with their friends, Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl, to learn about the importance of protecting ecosystems, gain conservation tips, acquire fire safety skills, and discover ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle.

Smokey Bear & Woodsy Owl: Home Sweet Home begins by welcoming you into the Great Forest, where you will learn the story of the real Smokey Bear, and how our daily activities can impact our friends in the forest. You will also discover a forest ranger’s station and lookout tower, a pretend nature trail over a tipsy bridge, and a fun stop at Woodsy’s recycling station.

Move to the Urban Forest, and you will be greeted by a pretend house. Kids can help build it with green building materials, practice recycling and reducing water consumption, and discover the amount of energy it takes to power household appliances. Walk into the back yard, and you’ll be able to plant a sapling, guide a pretend raindrop from the garden shed roof into a rain barrel, and much more.

With so much to do, Smokey Bear & Woodsy Owl: Home Sweet Home brings environmental conservation to life for children and families through interactive play. We hope that this exhibit’s hands-on activities and programs will inspire children and families to discover and care for the natural resources that sustain our world—our home sweet home.

The exhibit is open through September 18, 2016, and is included in your admission. If you’re looking for even more fun, don’t forget to visit the Virginia Aquarium’s National Geographic 3D Theater for our newest movie addition, McGillivry Freeman’s National Parks Adventure 3D, a visually stunning trip through some of the most beautiful parks across our country on Virginia’s largest movie screen.

Smokey Bear & Woodsy Owl: Home Sweet Home was developed by the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum in collaboration with the US Forest Service. Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl are protected by Congressional law and are used with permission from the US Forest Service. All Rights Reserved. 16 USC 580p-4 & 18 USC 711a.

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VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | SPRING 2016

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SPRING QUARTER

DETACH AND KEEP FOR QUICK REFERENCE

P RO G R A M A ND EVEN TS GUI D E SPECIAL EVENTS Special events are free with admission, unless an event fee is listed.

Hardywood Craft Beer Dinner March 10 | 6–9pm Join the Sensible Seafood Program and Hardywood Park Craft Brewery for an exclusive three-course dinner featuring sustainable seafood paired with Hardywood Park craft beers. To purchase tickets visit VirginiaAquarium.com.

$75 Members | $85 Non-members BAY & OCEAN PAVILION

Trash Bash March 12 | 11am–3pm Learn about marine debris and its effects on the environment. Join Aquarium educators for “critter close ups,” recycled craft ideas, and games throughout the day.

BAY & OCEAN PAVILION

Breakfast with the Bunny MEMBER-EXCLUSIVE March 19 | 9–10:30am Enjoy a breakfast buffet, meet our animal ambassadors, and meet the Easter Bunny.

Seating is limited and advance registration is required. Call 757-385-FISH.

$17 per person BAY & OCEAN PAVILION

Mermaid Mondays

Member Summer Camp Registration MEMBER-EXCLUSIVE April 6 | 4:30–6:30pm Members are invited to register for summer camps before registration is open to the public. Camps are available to children ages 5–15. Registration opens to non-members April 11. For more information call 757-385-0278.

MARSH PAVILION

Play Date for the Animals April 16 | 11am–3pm Discover how treats and training encourage the Aquarium’s critters to create comfy homes and stay healthy. Join us for special activities and make enrichment toys for our animals!

AQUARIUM WIDE

Party for the Planet May 7 | 11am–3pm Discover and learn ways to connect to the local environment and make a difference in your homes and communities.

BAY & OCEAN PAVILION

Sensible Seafood Week May 21–26 | Times Vary Throughout the week, participate in fun events focused on Sensible Seafood with special guests. For more information visit Virginia Aquarium.com.

AQUARIUM WIDE

Sensible Seafood Fest May 26 | 7–10pm

See a mermaid up close and in person!

Sightings are guaranteed. Registration required. Call 757-385-FISH.

Sponsored by PNC Bank, celebrate oceanfriendly seafood! Sample a variety of mouth-watering dishes featuring sustainable seafood. Age 21 & up. To purchase tickets visit VirginiaAquarium.com.

$20 Members | $30 Non-members

$55 Members | $65 Non-members

BAY & OCEAN PAVILION

BAY & OCEAN PAVILION

April 4, 11, 18, 25 | 6–9pm

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TODDLER PROGRAMS Sponsored by Whole Foods, these weekly programs are created just for the little ones.

Included with membership and admission.

Programs last about 30 minutes. Adults must accompany child during program.

Toddler Tuesday Every Tuesday | 10am & 12:30pm Bring your little ones for this ageappropriate program that includes story time, songs and an Aquarium adventure.

MARSH PAVILION

Toddler Trek Every Thursday | 11am Join us for an exploration session for early learners to discover a new animal, color and shape through fun outdoor activities. Takes place inside during inclement weather.

MARSH PAVILION

Puppet Shows March 15, April 19, & May 17 10am & 12:30pm On the third Tuesday of every month, our Toddler Tuesday features a live-action puppet show to accompany our story time.

MARSH PAVILION

DISCOVERY DAYS Geared for ages 4–6, these programs include age-appropriate discussions, activities and crafts. $7 members, $10 nonmembers. Advance registration required.

Call (757) 385-0278 or email programs@ virginiaaquarium.com to register.

BEHIND-THE-SCENES Go beyond the Aquarium glass for a closer look. Reservations required by noon the day of the program. Book online or call (757) 385-FISH. Some age and height restrictions apply. Must be able to climb stairs.

Sea Turtles Bug N’ Out March 3 | 2–3:15pm Get ready to go on a hunt for insects as we travel our nature trail. Learn about their body structure and roles in nature. Be prepared to touch some live bugs!

MARSH PAVILION

SEA ADVENTURES Virginia Aquarium boat trips engage adults, families and student groups in coastal marine ecology by providing opportunities to observe dolphins, whales and other marine life in their natural habitat. Sightings not guaranteed.

Monday, Wednesday & Friday | 1pm

Dolphin Discoveries

Go above the Chesapeake Light Tower Aquarium to observe aquarists conducting a feeding and behavioral training session with the sea turtles. 45 minutes.

March–October Check website for dates, times, prices, & special trips.

$15 Members | $20 Non-members BAY & OCEAN PAVILION

Wake Up! Spring is Here!

Take an unforgettable 90-minute excursion exploring for Virginia’s most common and charismatic marine mammal, bottlenose dolphins!

AQUARIUM DOCK

March 17 | 2–3:15pm Animals are beginning to wake up from hibernation. Join us on a nature scavengerhunt and discover all the signs of spring.

NURTURING NATURALISTS

MARSH PAVILION

These one-hour guided nature play sessions are geared toward families with children 10 & under. Activities help families foster a love of nature in children, while inspiring family outdoor play, curiosity, and adventure. Free with admission.

Yuck That’s Gross April 7 | 2–3:15pm Join us as we turn, "Eww, that's gross" into, "Wow, that's cool!". Learn about animals like dung beetles, sea cucumbers, and more!

MARSH PAVILION

March 17 | 9:30–10:30am & 2:30–3:30pm March 19 | 9:30–10:30am

All Things Amphibian

Above & Beyond

April 21 | 2–3:15pm

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday | 12:30pm

Did you know amphibians like frogs can breathe through their skin? Learn all about these animals that spend part of their life in the water and part on land.

MARSH PAVILION

Tour selected service areas for a peek at the “inner workings” of a public aquarium and find out how we care for our fish and other marine animals. 45 minutes.

Marvelous Moms

BAY & OCEAN PAVILION

May 5 | 2–3:15pm Mother’s Day is just around the corner! Learn about some exceptional mommies of the animal kingdom and make a Mother’s Day craft for your mom.

MARSH PAVILION

For the Birds

$15 Members | $20 Non-members

Dig in the dirt, build mud castles, make mud paintings, and meet worms up close.

MARSH PAVILION

April 12 | 9:30–10:30am & 2:30–3:30pm April 16 | 9:30–10:30am There’s a lot to discover under leaf litter and rotten legs. Search for insects, worms, and amphibians during a hike in the woods.

MARSH PAVILION

May 11 | 9:30–10:30am & 2:30–3:30pm May 14 | 9:30–10:30am It’s warming up and a good time to see what we can find living in the pond and in Owls Creek.

BAY & OCEAN PAVILION

May 19 | 2–3:15pm Explore our Nature Trail and marsh with an Aquarium educator in search of amazing birds. Meet one of our bird ambassadors.

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JUST FOR KIDS

Let’s learn about

SHARKS! l i ke

yo ur

ears!

A shark’s skeleton is composed of cartilage, not bone

Whale sharks are as long as a school bus

Family Activity Why don’t sharks sink?

Sharks are so dense and heavy that without a special adaptation they would sink to the ocean floor. Unlike most bony fish, sharks do not have a swim bladder to keep them afloat.

Rather, sharks have livers filled with oil. Let’s learn about how the oil in a shark’s liver helps it stay afloat.

What You’ll Need Toilet Paper Tube 3 Pennies Packing Tape Balloon Container of Water Funnel ½ Cup Oil (Vegetable or Corn)

Sharks are closely related to stingrays

Oh no, Mac! Do you think someone mis-identified the shark in that exhibit?

Why is it called a zebra shark when it has all those spots?

Charlie, no one mis-identified the shark...

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VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | SPRING 2016

Set-up: Wrap the outside of the toilet paper roll with packing tape. On the underside of the roll, evenly space and tape three pennies. Place the roll in the container of water. Watch it sink to the bottom. Using a funnel, fill a balloon with ½ cup oil. Tie-off the balloon and place inside the toilet paper roll. Place the toilet paper roll in the water again and watch it float.

What Happened?

The toilet paper roll represents a shark. The pennies represent how heavy a shark is. The oil-filled balloon represents the oil-filled liver of a shark. Without the oil-filled liver (balloon) the shark sinks to the bottom of the ocean. Because oil is less dense than water, oil floats on top of water and the oil-filled liver of the shark along with swimming helps the shark to stay afloat in the ocean.

...When it’s young, the shark has stripes like a zebra. As the zebra shark gets older, its stripes are replaced by dark spots.

FAN PHOTOS

SEND US YOUR FAVORITE PHOTOS TAKEN AT THE AQUARIUM

The Virginia Aquarium is home to over 7,000 The top picks will be included in VAQ. Send a max of 3 high resolution jpeg files to fish, close 200 species, and we can’t help VAQmag@VirginiaAquarium.com. Sending photos grants thetoVirginia Aquarium the right but get excited about them.

Our staff are truly to use the photos in promotional materials. Please limit attachments to 10MB per email. fish finatics! We hope you’ll love learning about some of our favorite fish.

MAYA

TURTLE TIME

MELISSA ANDERS-NEALON

RYAN MCCURRY

FISHY KISSES

JOANNE CANDELA

LOVING THE LIONFISH JENNIFER ESPOSITO

ALL SMILES LIZ MCNULTY

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EXPERT Q&A

RACHEL RIESBECK

SCHOOL PROGRAMS SPECIALIST

What do you do for the Aquarium & how long have you been doing it?

I’ve been working in the Education Department for 8 years providing enriching learning experiences for teachers and students.

What do you do on an average day?

I work with schools to plan their field trips, teach hands-on programs, and create educational resources for teachers.

What is your favorite onsite program to teach and why?

My favorite program is Feet, Feathers and Fur. It focuses on animal adaptations. I love dressing up the students and getting them to act out different behaviors.

What is your favorite exhibit in the Aquarium and why?

My favorite exhibit is our Tomistomas because it is so immersive. You really feel like you are in a peat swamp watching these ambush predators.

What do you like best about your work?

I love watching the excitement students have for our animals because I feel that way every time I walk around the Aquarium.

During Rachel’s programs, kids have the opportunity to interact directly with the animals.

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VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | SPRING 2016

What has been the most exciting experience you’ve had working for the Aquarium?

It’s always a treat when we see animals up close and personal.

My favorite was getting to touch our spotted eagle rays and zebra shark.

What would you tell someone interested in entering your field?

Try out lots of different jobs, internships, and volunteer positions. It’ll help you determine your career goals and help you when applying for jobs.

STRANDING

DROPPING TEMPERATURES & HOW THEY AFFECT SEA TURTLES B Y K R YS T L E R . R O D R I Q U E

Sea turtles, unlike mammals such as whales and dolphins, rely on the temperature of the water to maintain their internal body temperature. Scientists classify these types of animals as cold-blooded. Every year, local coastal waters decrease in temperature as winter approaches. This temperature change tells sea turtles that it is time to head south to warmer waters.

Occasionally, drops in water temperatures due to seasonal irregularities, can be sudden, posing problems for our coldblooded friends.

When water temperatures drop quickly, sea turtles’ body temperatures drop quickly, too. Once water temperatures drop below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, turtles can become cold-stunned.

In this state turtles become disoriented, sluggish, at risk for infections, and can even develop hypothermia. These animals are generally found on beaches, or lethargically floating in the water. Concerned citizens often report cold-stunned turtles as being deceased, given the turtles’ appearance, but that is not always the case.

Staff and volunteers with the Stranding Response Program respond to an average of 4 cold-stunned turtles each year. Coldstunned turtles may appear to be dead, but examination reveals evidence of life. Cold-stunned sea turtles have a slow heart rate (1-3 beats per minute), a slow rate of breathing, cold body temperatures (lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit), low blood sugar, abrasions, and infections such as pneumonia.

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H A P P Y, H E A LT H Y, & R E A DY T O B E RELEASED

I D E A L B O DY T E M PAT U R E

T E M PAT U R E I S INCREASED 5 DEGREES EVERY 24 HOURS

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D I S O R I E N T E D, SLUGGISH, & AT R I S K F O R INFECTIONS

COLD-STUNNED T E M PAT U R E

Please call (757) 385-7575 to report stranded sea turtles.

As part of the rehabilitation process, cold-stunned sea turtles are placed in water roughly the temperature of their bodies, and the water is slowly warmed. Our team is careful to provide an environment that will warm the turtles without harming their health. Turtles are treated with antibiotics and given nutritionally rich foods. Any wounds are cleaned and treated with medications. This rehabilitation process lasts until the turtles are healthy, and coastal waters have warmed to around 65 degrees. After a check by the Aquarium veterinarian, the turtles are ready to be released.

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CREATING SCIENCE

SUPERHEROES

Discover the wonders of science and nature with Virginia Aquarium Summer Camps. Camps range from ages 5–15.

Members receive discounts on camp fees.

General registration begins April 11.

EARLY REGISTRATION FOR MEMBERS APRIL 6 | 4:30 TO 6:30 pm MARSH PAVILION Call (757) 385-0278 or visit VirginiaAquarium.com for details.

CLIMB, ZIP, & SWING

SM

AT VIRGINIA AQUARIUM

757-385-4947 | VirginiaBeachTrees.com

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VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | SPRING 2016

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

SANDY WOOD

BY C R A I G S I M M O N S

Sandy Wood has selflessly served more than 12,000 hours as a volunteer at the Virginia Aquarium. She is currently the shift captain of the Friday morning docents and serves on the Aquarium’s Volunteer League. Sandy has worn many hats as a volunteer, holding more than 20 different positions over the last 29 years. Her dedication and enthusiasm shine through when you speak with her about volunteering, “It is so much fun! I’ve met people from all over the world and made some wonderful friends at the Aquarium.” What is it that keeps this former pre-school teacher coming back? “How rewarding it is to see a child’s eyes light up when you have explained something and you know they just get it.”

For information about volunteering, call (757) 385-0274 or visit www.VirginiaAquarium.com/volunteer

WANT A

FREE YEAR

OF MEMBERSHIP? Tell us what you think & be entered for a chance to win. Take the survey at

VirginiaAquarium.com/VAQsurvey Contest ends April 30, 2016.

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AT I O N SE C TCIO ON NSTEIRTVLE

MAKING “BLACK GOLD”

BY MARK SWI N G LE

It is estimated that more than 30% of our national landfill waste is compostable and the Aquarium is doing its part to reduce this statistic. The process of composting has many benefits to the environment including removing organic materials like food waste, animal waste, and other plant-based products from our waste stream. It also produces a nutrient-rich material that, when added to soil, improves the general health of the soil by modifying its texture, aeration, and water retention. So, what is composting? Composting is a simple process of transforming organic material into a soil-like material through decomposition.

As you can imagine, the Aquarium generates a significant amount of organic waste material. From food scraps and animal wastes, to animal bedding and coffee grounds, there is an abundance of potential composting material. In 2010 the Aquarium began researching an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funded pilot project with Sodexo, our food service partner, local restaurants, and other institutions.

In 2011, our Horticulture staff began an on-site program consisting of two compost bins. Then in 2013, we initiated a program to divert all of our remaining organic wastes from basic operations to an off-site commercial composting facility.

Today, the Aquarium’s composting programs include our food service partner, our on-site program and our off-site program.

Our on-site operation has grown to 8 active composting bins, and we utilize the final product to support our gardens and other landscape needs. Horticulture staff collect organic waste materials throughout the facility to supply our on-site

operation, and remaining organic materials are collected and transferred weekly to the off-site composting facility.

Since its inception, the Aquarium’s composting programs have diverted tons of organic waste materials to our off-site composting facility, instead of a landfill, and have supplied all of our on-site needs for soil-benefitting compost.

Quick Fact: Gardeners call compost “black gold,” because it is rich in nutrients and adds so much when added to garden soil.

The Aquarium recognizes our shared responsibility not only to conserve wild animals and habitats, but to conduct all operations and activities in ways that minimize or eliminate negative impacts to the environment and provide a model of sustainable practices and behavior for the community.

Composting is just one more way that we practice our conservation mission.

SO HOW MUCH HAVE WE COMPOSTED? 2012 –

2013 – 16,220 lbs 2014 – 11,290 lbs 2015 –

That's more than

1,400 lbs

8,810 lbs

=

18

FULLY GROWN COWS

Total 37,720 lbs

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VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | SPRING 2016

SUPPORT

WHY I GIVE

BY CHRI STI N A WESTN EDG E, DONOR & MEMBER

Christina Westnedge and her family are long time members and supporters of the Virginia Aquarium Foundation. Here’s why she feels it is so important to give...

My husband Lee and I have supported the Virginia Aquarium since we moved back to the area from DC over 5 years ago. I remembered school field trips to the Virginia Marine Science Museum a long time ago, and was just thrilled to see that the Virginia Aquarium had expanded not only in its size and exhibits, but in its conservation efforts, as well.

The Aquarium has become a favorite place for our son, Jack, and we visit often. Our enthusiasm to help this cause greatly expanded when we had the opportunity to personally release two of the sea turtles rehabbed through the Stranding Response Program, supported by the Virginia Aquarium Foundation. I always thought that turtles were slow creatures, but seeing them fly through the water when released was fascinating and exciting. They were able to go home, all thanks to the efforts of the Virginia Aquarium.

The Virginia Aquarium raises money through the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation to support our educational programming, the live animal exhibits, the Stranding Response Program and other important conservation, research, and educational initiatives. The things that you love most would not be possible without donations from our community and members.

THERE ARE THREE EASY WAYS TO GIVE. EVERY GIFT MAKES A HUGE DIFFERENCE. Visit VirginiaAquarium. com/SavetheOcean

Call 757-385-0262

Mail donations to: Virginia Aquarium Attn: Development 717 General Booth Blvd.

Virginia Beach, VA 23451

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THANK YOU! Contributions from October 1, 2015 – December 31, 2015 ANNUAL FUND Ann & Thomas Ackiss Mrs. Rendy Adams Jason Baker Sarah & Will Beasley Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Bradley Macon & Joan Brock Linda Y. Brown James & Mary Anne Carlson Carrie S. Camp Foundation, Inc. Capital Group Companies Charitable Foundation for Michelle Collins Citi Payment Services for Chris Graves The Clark-Janis Foundation Michelle & Richard Collins Combined Federal Campaign of South Hampton Roads Robin Cotton Ms. Mary Crozier Gerald T. DeForge Douglas & Marianne Dickerson Foundation Mr. Franklin P. Earley Fain Family Fund of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund for Michelle Collins Gary Finkbeiner Peter & Roseann Fitzpatrick Ms. Angela Fuentes Bob & Leslie Fort Thomas & Dianne Frantz Fraim Family Foundation Donald & Lisa Grigolite In Honor of Meredith E. Glanzer Seymour Glanzer Ian P. Goodwin In Honor of Alex Grasser Claire Floege Sanci M. Hall Mr. & Mrs. William Wright Harrison, Jr. Helfant Realty, Inc., Realtors Mr. William Henry Mr. & Mrs. Paul Hirschbiel Charles Horton In Honor of Ella Howard Phil Spradlin Mr. & Mrs. Gerald C. Jaffe Julie A. Jones Dr. & Mrs. Warren G. Karesh Ms. Anne G. Kellam

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SHOW YOUR SUPPORT BY GIVING AT

www.VirginiaAquarium.com/SaveTheOcean

Donald Kirtland Edward & Anne Kramer Kroger Sheila Magula Michael & Merrick McCabe JT & Dawn McDonald Gayle & Sean McHugh Janet McKowen In Memory of Ernestine Middleton Mr. & Mrs. Hank Kellam Wiley & Marshalé Mitchell The Milton & Ron Kramer Family Fund of the Tidewater Jewish Foundation Morgan Stanley for Judson Rodman In Honor of Tom & Phyllis Mowery-Racz Claire Floege In Honor of Jasmine Mowery-Racz Claire Floege Evelyn Munden Napolitano Family Foundation Jessica Nelson Norfolk Southern Charitable Match Trust for William Spicuzza In Honor of Glenna G. Nunn Malcolm Lloyd Nunn, Jr. In Honor of Kathy O’Hara Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin Klemanowicz Donza L. Olds Ronald Orr In Honor of Tabitha Peeples Claire Floege Richard Puckett In Honor of Ed Racz Claire Floege In Honor of Linda Racz Claire Floege In Honor of Jay Racz Claire Floege Rev. & Mrs. Robert J. Robertson, III Mrs. Martha K. Roland Leah Rowland Mr. & Mrs. Chris Rusbuldt A.J. & J.A. Russo Mrs. Chelsea Scheetz Schwab Charitable Fund for Craig & Sue Grube Audrey & John E. Settle, Jr. Kathy A. Shield Signature Family Wealth Advisors Sis Nash Memorial Fund of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation Ms. Susanna Skovgaard

VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | SPRING 2016

In Honor of Ed & Jean Snyder Raymond & Linda Carlile In Honor of Dr. (Ret) Vic & Mrs. Laura Sonnino Susan & Daniel Beals Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Steinberg STIHL Inc. April & Steve Strickland Robert Taylor In Honor of Mollie Tippin Heather Cravens Julie Hannah Mike & Kathryn Tippin Mrs. Lynnette Vargas Mr. & Mrs. Raymond F. Toll Glenn Tucker United Way South Hampton Roads Andy & Ann Vakos Charlee Vees Ms. Jane Vitalos Verizon Foundation for David Lockwood Frank W. Wagner Scott Waitzer Esi Waters Dr. Tracy B. Wright Mr. & Mrs. Watson H. Wright

AQUAPALS ADOPTIONS Kelsey Felker Kristina Grigolite Deacon Grossnickel Shannon McKowen Ashton Petersen Stratford Preschool

EDUCATION Association of Zoos & Aquariums & Disney W. Robert & Lisa Bohrer Mr. Robert Catlin Karen Hines In Honor of Ella Howard Mrs. Kathy Spradlin Sara Howard Lee A. & Helen Gifford Foundation of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation Andrew Newton PNC Financial Services Group R & C Dickerson Family Fund of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation

EXHIBITS Lynnhaven River Now Jane & Charles Purrington

RESEARCH & CONSERVATION Joelle Buffa Mr. & Mrs. Joseph M. Carroll III Karen J. Corrigan Mr. James Dye Ms. Jo H. Engels Lee & Leslie Entsminger Eurasia Cafe In Honor of Dale C. Henderson Mr. & Mrs. Hayden H. Gordon In Honor of Ella Howard Amber Eberly Cathy Johnson Ms. Tara McCook Denise McNiel Noah Meyers Marsha J. Miller In Memory of Pamela Parker Mr. Allan Parker Elsa L. Parli Ocean Park Civic League Inc. Savor, LLC R & C Dickerson Family Fund of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation Elizabeth & Patricia Snow Taste Tidewater Tours Martin & Mary Thomas VERSAR Mr. & Mrs. Stephen P. White

VOLUNTEER SCHOLARSHIP FUND Bruce Jones Scholarship Shirley Jones In Memory of Susan Hafen Josie Sprague Marcie Shields Scholarship Justine Shields In Memory of Dandridge H. Yon Sandra Yon

Sponsored by

Sensible Seafood Fest May 26 | 7–10pm | $55 Member | $65 Non-member Celebrate ocean-friendly seafood! Sample a variety of mouthwatering dishes featuring sustainable seafood.

For tickets visit VirginiaAquarium.com

VIRGINIA AQUARIUM & MARINE SCIENCE CENTER FOUNDATION SPONSORED BY MONARCH BANK

GOLF CLASSIC 2016 May 11, 2016 Heron Ridge Golf Club Shotgun starts at 1:00 pm Register a foursome or sponsor a hole by calling 757-385-0260. All proceeds benefit the Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program.

Dolphin Discoveries Boat leaves from the Aquarium!

Visit VirginiaAquarium.com for information.

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717 GENERAL BOOTH BLVD VIRGINIA BEACH, VA 23451 (757) 385-FISH VirginiaAquarium.com A PUBLICATION OF THE VIRGINIA AQUARIUM & MARINE SCIENCE CENTER FOUNDATION Postmaster: Please deliver by March 31, 2016

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks & Aquariums, and World Association of Zoos & Aquariums.

M E RM A I D NEW EXHIBIT, OPENING SOON...

MONDAYS

APRIL 4 • 11 • 18 • 25 24

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ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED INFORMATION & TICKETS AT VIRGINIAAQUARIUM.COM