Spring 2018 VAQ

SPRING 2018

Virginia Aquarium Quarterly Member Magazine

HERE BE DRAGONS SEE NEW ANIMALS

MERMAID MONDAYS MERMAIDS ARE HERE IN MARCH! SPRING 2018 | VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY

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MEMBERSHIP QUICK FACTS HOURS OF OPERATION

CONTACT INFORMATION

9 –5 AM

(757) 385-0279

PM

VirginiaAquarium.com Membership@VirginiaAquarium.com

Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas

DAILY ADMISSIONS PER MEMBERSHIP LEVEL The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science

INDIVIDUAL

FAMILY

INDIVIDUAL + 1

FAMILY + 1

Center’s mission is to inspire conservation of the marine environment through education, research and sustainable practices.

SPRING 2018, VOLUME 7, ISSUE 2 VAQ is published four times a year by the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation located at 717 General Booth

MEMBERSHIP PERKS Behind-the-Scenes Sea Turtles | $15 Above & Beyond | $15

Blvd., Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451.

EDITORS Matthew Klepeisz, Taylor Saunders ADVISOR Caryl Thompson CREATIVE DIRECTOR Ashley Laginestra CONTRIBUTORS Alex Costidis, Alexis Rabon, Ashley Beerbroer, Barbara Beverage, Chris Witherspoon,

$

Cardholder must be present during each visit. Philanthropic membership is also available through our Giving Societies. Learn more at www.VirginiaAquarium.com/join.

s o c a T e v o L s n o g a r D il 6 & 2 Friday, Apr

0 | 5:30-7pm

Dustie Bourgeois, Hales Parcells, Jason Congleton, Jenny Hill, Karen Burns, Leslie Clements, Lisa Grigolite, Matt Klepeisz, Mermaid Melena, Michelle Coley, Mike Mizell, Sonny Alejo, Taylor Saunders, Trish Carrier

We care about conservation

You know the book, but do dragons really love tacos?

Enjoy taco snacks & watch us feed our visiting dragons in our Here Be Dragons exhibit.

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

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

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VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY |

Discounts Cafe | 10% off Aquarium stores | 10% off Additional admission tickets | $18 & $12

$20 Members $23 Non-Members SPRING 2018 Tickets at VirginiaAquarium.com.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Here Be Dragons See amazing new animals!

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Meet a Mermaid

Kids Page

An interview with Malena

Necropsies

There's a lot to learn!

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Springtime Facts

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Upcoming Events | Get your tickets now!

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A Fresh Look for the Freshwater Pond We're making updates to our pond.

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Programs & Events Guide | You won't want to miss these!

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Fabulous Flounders | We have new additions to the Chesapeake Bay exhibit.

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Volunteer Spotlight | Get to know an awesome Sensible Seafood volunteer.

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Thank You | Thank you to everyone who donated!

On the cover Chinese Water Dragon: Water dragons are great climbers and swimmers. See them in our new exhibit!

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Upcoming Events Ocean Collections

Saturday, April 14 & May 12 | 9am $20 members | $22 Non-Members Curious about what lives in our coastal ocean waters? Take a 75-minute cruise with Aquarium educators to collect a variety of local fish and invertebrates and observe them up close aboard the boat. Space is limited because of the hands-on nature of this program, and advanced reservations are recommended. Trips depart from the Aquarium dock. Visit VirginiaAquarium.com to purchase tickets starting March 14.

Sensible Seafood Fest presented by PNC Bank

Thursday, May 24 | 7pm $55 Early Bird | $65 After April 1 Save the date for the Sensible Seafood Fest presented by PNC Bank at the Virginia Aquarium!

Sample ocean-friendly seafood from local Sensible Seafood Program restaurant partners and vote on your favorite dish. Celebrate seafood that makes sense for a healthy marine environment. This fun and flavorful feast is for adults 21 and older only.

Visit VirginiaAquarium.com to purchase tickets starting March 7.

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VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | SPRING 2018

FEATURE

A Fresh Look for the Freshwater Pond

By Chris Witherspoon The Aquarium’s freshwater pond is an often-overlooked gem hidden in the woods by the Scenic Overlook loop. To improve the habitat and increase accessibility for programs, the pond will be undergoing a complete renovation.

The pond was created prior to the 1986 opening of the Virginia Marine Science Museum so that guests could view bullfrogs and water turtles from the walkway above. With growing interest in more hands-on field experiences, Aquarium educators have been conducting special programs at the pond’s edge that allow participants to dip net for tadpoles, dragonfly nymphs, and mosquitofish. Unfortunately, the pond’s shape, bank slope, and location in the midst of the loop limit the group size for this popular activity.

With the renovation, a new gate on the loop deck will open to a ramped walkway, making hands-on pond programs accessible to all. A deck built along one end of the pond will provide dry and stable footing for guests who wish to try dip netting for pond creatures. Landscaping improvements will open the canopy above to let in more sunlight to support pond plants that will improve the ecosystem.

The project involves draining the existing pond and removing the old pond liners. As the water is drained, Aquarium staff will attempt to remove any larger animals that can be collected and move them to the storm water ponds in the parking lot. The mud and leaves scooped from the bottom will be transported to a City collection site.

Once the renovation is completed, the Aquarium will have a more attractive and accessible freshwater pond; however, it will take a while for it to be recolonized by critters. You’ll be able to view the pond from the Scenic Overlook loop and look for new Pond Exploration programs starting in Fall 2018.

The pond has been used in many education programs for our younger guests.

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Dragons. Just the word itself conjures images of Medieval times. Fierce battles with unruly creatures. Maybe you think of the Asian influence. You look to dragons in Chinese culture, and think about celebration s that include Chinese Dragon costumes moving gracefully through the streets. Or do you think of dinosaurs; those reptilian monsters that resembled the modern idea of a dragon? It doesn’t matter which way you go with it, you’ll be able to experience it all (and even more) at the Aquarium’s current changing exhibit: Here Be Dragons.

By Matthew Klepeisz

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Here Be Dragons is organized by the Potawatomi Zoo and produced by Build 4 Impact , Inc. All rights reserved.

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VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | SPRING 2018

See Dragons!

Here Be Dragons explores human and dragon cultural connections through hands on activities and encounters with live animals. That’s right; you’ll be able to see living relatives of the mythical, magical dragons! These incredible animals include “dragons” like the frilled dragon, an Australian lizard that looks like a miniature version of the dragons found in books and movies. Another favorite are the monitor lizards. These large and ferocious (looking) lizards get attention wherever they go. The roughneck monitor, with a collar of unique bony plates around its neck, makes an appearance in the exhibit. It is joined by the black-throated monitor, who resides in the Medieval castle. Despite her fierce appearance, “Big Momma,” the black-throated monitor, is actually known for her sweet, quiet demeanor.

Those are only a few of the ten new species of dragons that you will discover in Here Be Dragons. Some of the other dragons include the plumed basilisk, a beautiful green lizard that features crests along either the head or the head, back, and tail. The European legless lizard looks like a snake, but is in fact a lizard. During your journey through the exhibit, you will also encounter a rare albino green iguana, a bearded dragon, Chinese water dragons, and club tail iguanas. All of these dragons showcase some aspect of what we know popular culture dragons to be!

Here Be Dragons is

here through Septem

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with Aquarium adm

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s p m a C r e Summ | 4:30-6:30

a rc h 2 8 M | n io t a r t is g e Member R

pm

Hands-on fun!

Camps are available to children ages 6–15. Registration opens to non-members April 2. For more information call 757-385-0278.

p a w S r e b m e M Coming in June

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Programs & Events Guide MARCH - MAY 2018 | DETACH AND KEEP FOR QUICK REFERENCE!

SPECIAL EVENTS Special events are free with admission, unless otherwise noted.

Mermaid Mondays March 5, 12, 19, 26 & April 2 | 6–9pm See a mermaid up close and in person!

Sightings are guaranteed. Registration required. Call 757-385-3474 (option 3). $22.95 Members | $32.95 Non-members Bay & Ocean Pavilion

Mermaid Balee’s Bubblee Boutique March 26 & April 2 | 4:30–6pm Receive the full beauty treatment and enjoy a special encounter with the mermaids! Registration required. Call 757-385-3474 (option 3). Price includes Mermaid Monday activities. $100 per child | $22.95 Parent Member $32.95 Parent Non-member

Dragons Love Tacos April 4 & April 20 | 5:30–7pm You know the book, but do dragons really love tacos? Watch a dragon feeding session, enjoy taco snacks, and meet our visiting dragons in our Here Be Dragons exhibit. Registration required.

Call 757-385-3474, option 3. $20 Members | $23 Non-members Changing Exhibit

Play Date for the Animals April 14 | 11am–3pm Discover how treats and training encourage critters to create comfy homes, eat right, play, and stay healthy.

Watch training and enrichment sessions throughout the day.

Aquarium Wide

MEMBER-EXCLUSIVE March 28 | 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 6–15. Registration opens to non-members April 2. For more information call 757-385-0278.

Marsh Pavilion

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Toddler Tuesdays Every Tuesday | 10am, 11am & 12:30pm Bring your little ones for this ageappropriate program that includes story time, songs, and activities.

Marsh Pavilion

Toddler Trek Every Thursday | 10am & 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.

Puppet Shows Tuesday March 20, April 17, May 15 10am, 11am & 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

Easter Bunny Encounter

Member Summer Camp Registration

These specially designed programs help encourage life long learning and are included with admission.

Marsh Pavilion

Bay & Ocean Pavilion

March 24, 25 & 31 | 11am–2pm Meet Esther the Easter Bunny, snap a photo and receive a rainforest-safe treat!

Bay & Ocean Pavilion

Toddler Programs

Sensible Seafood Fest May 24 | 7–10pm Presented by PNC Bank, this event celebrates ocean-friendly seafood!

Sample a variety of mouth-watering dishes featuring sustainable seafood.

Age 21 & up. To purchase tickets visit VirginiaAquarium.com. $55 Early Bird Special | $65 After April 1 Bay & Ocean Pavilion

World Oceans Day June 8–10 | 11am–3pm The Virginia Aquarium will make a splash as we celebrate World Oceans Day 2018.

A day full of fun including live animal presentations and activity carts.

Bay & Ocean Pavilion

VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | SPRING 2018

S.T.E.A.M.

UPCycling

Boat Trips

Geared for ages 3–7 and focused on integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. Reservations required. Call (757) 385–0278 or email programs@virginiaaquarium.com to register. $7 Members; $9 Non-members

Geared for ages 4-10, this program teaches conservation while making an item using recyclable and non-recyclable items. Reservations required. Call (757) 385-0278 or email programs@ virginiaaquarium.com to register. $7 Members; $9 Non-members.

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.

Windy Weather March 7 & March 14 | 3:30–4:30pm Join us as we learn how wind is created while building a wind turbine.

Discovery Room | Marsh Pavilion

Invisible Forces March 21 & March 28 | 3:30–4:30pm Learn how to do magic tricks using forces like magnetism, gravity, and friction.

Discovery Room | Marsh Pavilion

Diver Down

Growing a Garden March 13 | 3:30–4:30pm Build a miniature green house and learn how to make your own compost.

Discovery Room | Marsh Pavilion

Fly a Kite March 27 | 3:30–4:30pm Using recycled resources build a kite and learn how it flies.

Discovery Room | Marsh Pavilion

For the Birds

April 4 & April 11 | 3:30–4:30pm

April 10 | 3:30–4:30pm

Create a Cartesian diver while learning about water pressure and how it effects animals living at the bottom of the ocean.

Discovery Room | Marsh Pavilion

Build a bird house while learning about birds.

Taking Flight

Learn about frogs and how we can help protect them by making reusable cleaning wipes to take home.

April 18 & April 25 | 3:30–4:30pm Join us for air pressure experiments and learn how animals fly while making a paper helicopter to take home.

Discovery Room | Marsh Pavilion

Rainbows May 2 & May 9 | 3:30–4:30pm Create a kaleidoscope and do experiments with light to find out how rainbows are formed.

Discovery Room | Marsh Pavilion

Defend & Protect May 16 & May 23 | 3:30–4:30pm Learn how animals protect themselves from predators while designing and building a case that will protect an egg when falling from a height.

Discovery Room | Marsh Pavilion

Discovery Room | Marsh Pavilion

Spring Cleaning April 24 | 3:30–4:30pm

Discovery Room | Marsh Pavilion

Water, Water Everywhere May 8 | 3:30–4:30pm Through hands on experiments learn about watersheds and the water cycle.

Discovery Room | Marsh Pavilion

Lost Sock May 22 | 3:30–4:30pm Bring unpaired socks to class and create stuffed animals.

Discovery Room | Marsh Pavilion

Whales & Wildlife December–March Check website for dates, times, and special trips.

Join us for a 2–2.5 hour immersive encounter to search for some of the ocean’s most magnificent creatures that visit Virginia’s coastal winter waters: whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds! $26 Members, $28 Non-members Aquarium Boat Dock

Seal Spotting March 10 & March 11 | 2pm Catch eye-level observations of seals while learning about the species that frequent our waters, and the most recent research conducted by the Virginia Aquarium’s Stranding Response Team. $26 Members | $28 Non-members Aquarium Boat Dock

Dolphin Discoveries March-October Check website for dates, times, and special trips.

Take an unforgettable 90-minute excursion exploring for Virginia’s most common and charismatic marine mammal, bottlenose dolphins! $20 members, $22 non-members Aquarium Boat Dock

Sea Fairy Creek Cruise April 7 | 9:30am Discover the magic of Owls Creek on a 60-minute nature exploration led by Tansy and Fern, our resident fairies!

Reservations required as space is limited for this enchanting excursion. $15 members, $17 non-members Aquarium Boat Dock

Ocean Collections April 14 & May 12 | 9am This 75 minute cruise, led by Aquarium educators, allows participants to collect and observe a variety of local fish and invertebrates up close and personal. $20 members, $22 non-members Aquarium Boat Dock

Carefully detach and enjoy the mermaid poster on the other side once you've been to all our events!

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A & Q d i a m r Me with

Q: A: Q: A: Q: A: Q: A:

Q: A:

a n e l a M

What is your name and where are you from?

My name is Mermaid Malena, and I am from the warm waters of the south Atlantic. I do like to ride currents to visit other places from time to time, too!

Where is your favorite place to visit and swim?

I really like traveling north along the Carolina and Virginia coastline using the warm Gulf Stream waters. There are so many ship wrecks to see along the graveyard of the Atlantic.

What do the mermaids do when it isn’t Mermaid Mondays?

We keep ourselves occupied by traveling and visiting mermaid sisters from neighboring seas, sneak a peek at the world above the water, and keep up with our sea life cousins.

Are you scared of any of the fish (like sharks)?

Oh no, we’re never scared of sharks. We are always respectful of sharks and all of our sea life cousins. One of the reasons I visit the graveyard of the Atlantic is all the sand tiger shark smiles I see on the ship wrecks along the way. They are always friendly and greet me with a grin from cheek to cheek.

Do you have any other mermaid friends?

I do have very good mermaid friends, a few of them get to come and visit the Virginia Aquarium when I get to swim with Sonny in the Red Sea! Come see us!

ys a d n o M d i a m Mer 9 & April 2 | 6– , 26 March 5, 12, 19

o Aquarium.c Visit Virginia

pm

m for tickets

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KIDS PAGE

!

E M I T G N SPRI Leaf Scavenger Hunt

Finish the tree!

Can you find these leaves on our nature trail?

What does the other half of this tree look like?

Help us finish it! Does anything live in the tree?

Red Maple

Sweet Gum

Sycamore

Beech

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Family Activity Why don’t leaves stay green all year?

In the spring, deciduous trees begin to grow new leaves that are green. In the fall as the amount of available sunlight decreases and the trees do not make as much food, the leaves change color and begin to fall off the trees. Let’s find out how leaves change colors.

What You’ll Need Glass Jar Rubbing Alcohol Green Leaves Plastic Wrap

Spoon White Coffee Filter Scissors

Set-up: Collect 5 green leaves from a deciduous tree. Tear the leaves into small pieces and place the pieces into a glass jar. Using the back of a spoon, crush the leaf pieces further. Pour a few tablespoons of rubbing alcohol into the jar. There should be just enough rubbing alcohol in the jar to cover the crushed leaves.

Cut a one inch strip from the coffee filter and place one end of the strip into the jar slightly submerging the end in the rubbing alcohol. The remainder of the strip can be hung over the lip of the jar. Cover the jar with plastic wrap and let it sit overnight. In the morning, remove the plastic wrap from the jar and observe the coffee filter.

What Happened?

Deciduous tree leaves contain color pigments like chlorophyll (green), xanthophyll (yellow), and carotenoid (orange). When tearing and crushing the leaves and then covering them with rubbing alcohol, the pigments contained in the leaves were released. The rubbing alcohol and pigment solution were absorbed by the coffee filter, carrying the pigments up the coffee filter. Because the different pigments in the leaf are not the same weight, the pigments are deposited on the coffee filter at different heights allowing you to see the different pigments contained in the leaves. During the spring and summer, leaves have an abundance of chlorophyll in order to make food. The abundance of chlorophyll (green) in the leaves masks the other color pigments that are always present in the leaves. The other colors in the leaf become visible in the fall when the tree is preparing for winter and loses its chlorophyll pigment because it no longer needs to make food.

DID YO U KNOW? Evergreen tree leaves remain green all year and do not fall off the tree.

Deciduous tree leaves change color in the fall and fall off the tree.

R O F T S U J S H G U A L What type of tree fits in your hand?

A palm tree!

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ANIMAL FEATURE

Fabulous Flounders

By Michelle Coley You may have noticed a variety of species have been added to our Chesapeake Bay exhibit, but have you seen what’s lurking beneath the sand? Take a really good look. Try closing one eye and squinting the other. Do you see them yet? Maybe you’ve noticed them occasionally swimming or perhaps coming out during feeding time, but they are surely masters of disguise. What fish am I referring to? Our summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus)!

"These fish have the ability to lie motionless for hours to wait out their food and then strike before they are even spotted."

Flounder are a unique species, capable of blending in with their environment. They belong to a family of fishes called flatfish that include halibut and soles. These fish have the ability to lie motionless for hours to wait out their food and then strike before they are even spotted.

Another truly unique aspect of the flounder is the fact

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that they have two eyes on one side of their body.

What makes it more interesting is that they don’t start out that way.

Flatfish start out their lives just like many other species of fish, with an eye on each side. They go through a metamorphosis as they grow from larval to juvenile stage that causes their eyes to migrate to the same side. The bones in a flatfish will change shape and move during this time to form their adult body shape.

So if you get the chance, take a really good look down in the sand and you might be able to see two eyes peeking up at you!

FEATURE

What Can We Learn from a Necropsy?

By Alexander Costidis Over all of our Stranding Response Program jobs, the messiest, smelliest, and most interesting is certainly the necropsy. Despite many people’s initial reaction to this animal autopsy, they are an immensely important piece of stranding response. The things that we are able to learn from the necropsy are invaluable, and sometimes otherwise inaccessible. This information can even provide insight into ways to improve our conservation efforts, information that is often more meaningful than our (more popular) rescue and rehabilitation programs.

Vessel Collision

Necropsy: an autopsy performed on an animal.

Beyond the basic information about the animal and where it has been, the ultimate goal of a necropsy is to determine the cause of death or impairment. These detailed dissections and laboratory tests help us learn what that cause may have been.

One of the essential parts of necropsies involves identifying human-caused death or disease, which we call "humaninteraction." Such interactions range from the apparent: vessel collisions, fishing gear entanglements, and marine

Vessel Collision

Propeller Impact

Human-interactions include: vessel collisions, fishing gear entanglements, marine debris, pollution, loss of food or habitat, or climate change.

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Net Entanglement

debris, to more insidious ones such as pollution, loss of food or habitat, or climate change. So while each individual necropsy often targets the more obvious sources of human interaction, it also contributes to a long term data set than can help better understand harmful environmental changes.

Unfortunately, entanglements and vessel interactions like propeller wounds are an all too common finding in sea turtles and marine mammals, and while they are not always fatal, they can have broad impacts on individuals and species as a whole. That is why these human-interactions are often the focus of many conservation efforts, and why the Virginia Aquarium has been committed to such efforts. By understanding the impact people play on the marine environment, maybe we can make it safer for the animals we all love.

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Entanglements are common in both marine mammals & sea turtles.

Net Entanglement

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Tom Hoffler

Sensible Seafood Volunteer Tom Hoffler knows a lot about sustainable seafood.

As a Sensible Seafood Program volunteer, he jumps at the chance to share the Sensible Seafood Program’s mission and is one of the program’s most vocal advocates. Not only does he set up the program’s materials every week to educate visitors about seafood that makes sense for a healthy marine environment, he also represents the program at events all around Hampton Roads. At one event, he even helped staff serve dinner.

Tom grew up in Norfolk, and tells some incredible stories about his career as an engineer with the Navy. He also raised two girls as a single dad. When Tom isn’t volunteering for the program, he goes dolphin watching on the Atlantic Explorer, cooks, and creates art. Most of all, he enjoys living in and being a part of the Virginia Beach community. He exercises on the boardwalk and participates in as many boardwalk activities as possible. When program staff need help, Tom is the first person they call and they’re grateful for his dedication.

Honduras & Roatán November 10-19, 2018

This 9-day adventure focuses onVO some ofN the top of Honduras, LU TE E highlights R OPEN HOUSE including a visit to the ruins of Copán, examining marine life at the Roatán Institute for Marine Sciences, and exploring biodiversity while snorkeling the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Discover the many treasures of Honduras both above and below the surface!

For more information contact Karen Burns at KPBurns@VirginiaAquarium.com or 757-385-0272.

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THANK YOU TO OUR PHILANTHROPISTS!

Contributions from October-December 2017 | To donate visit www.VirginiaAquarium.com/SaveTheOcean

*Gifts of $100 or greater are listed. To see a complete list of contributors, visit VirginiaAquarium.com

CONSERVATION SOCIETY MEMBERS Victoria & Phillip Dietz Richard & Lynn Epps Brian & Kara Gallatin Michael Minter Jeff & Alley Moore David Sims Travis & Michelle Walston DONORS* Individuals Rendy Adams David & Melody Adler Phillip & Barbara Anderson Anonymous Jason & Dana Baker Bruce & Lilly Bradley Joelle Buffa Jill Campbell Mary Chubrick Via Truist Richard & Michelle Collins Combined Federal Campaign of South Hampton Roads John Demosthenes Jo H. Engels Lee & Leslie Entsminger Richard & Lynn Epps Peter & Roseann Fitzpatrick Robert & Leslie Fort Thomas E. & Julie B. Fraim, Jr. Dudley & Connie Fulton Brian & Kara Gallatin Seymour & Meredith Glanzer Chris & Courtney Graves Via Schwab Charitable Fund Craig & Susan Grube Via Schwab Charitable Fund Dorcas Helfant-Browning Burr & Jennifer Henderson Katherine Hines Harold Holden Charles Horton Kyle & Mollie Korte Edward & Anne Kramer Ruth Lane Ina Levy Alice McCalla JT & Dawn McDonald James McNaught Delceno Miles Wiley Mitchell

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Jeff & Alley Moore John & Betsy Munford Fred Napolitano II Jack Neal Vincent Olivieri Denise Parker Charles & Jane Purrington Robert & Carolyn Robertson Howard Rodman Via Morgan Stanley Christopher Rusbuldt Wayne & Theresa Sawyer Joashua Schulman John & Audrey Settle Via Bank of America Charitable Gift Fund Conrad & Anne Shumadine Susanna Skovgaard Edward Snyder Merlin & Rita Statzer Ronald & Harriet Steinberg James & Charlene Strickland Mark & Lucy Swingle Robert & Marion Taylor Katie Tippin Andrew & Ann Vakos Sal Vitale Lee & Christina Westnedge Corporate 11th Street Taphouse Beach Chemical and Paper D. Johnson Electrical Contractor, Inc. Doc Taylor’s Kroger Ocean Palm O’Connor Brewing STIHL Inc. Tautog’s Restaurant Foundations The Brock Foundation of the J.P. Morgan Charitable Giving Fund Carrie S. Camp Foundation, Inc. Douglas & Marianne Dickerson Foundation R & C Dickerson Family Fund of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation Fain Family Fund of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation Fraim Family Foundation Lee A. & Hellen G. Gifford Fund of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation Monarch Charities

VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | SPRING 2018

Elsie N. (Sis) & Monroe Nash Fund of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation ODU Institute for Learning in Retirement PNC Foundation Sowers of Justice United Way of South Hampton Roads Virginia Aquarium Volunteer League TRIBUTE GIFTS In Honor Of Joy & Rick Beskin Tom Kapsha Susan Carrier DJ & Trish Carrier Michelle Collins Capital Group Companies Charitable Foundation Jasmine & Dustin Frank Claire Floege Ella Howard James Dye Sara Howard Kathy Spradlin Louis Hughes Chris Hughes Vince & Jenny Lancenese DJ & Trish Carrier Katie Liakos David Prescott Alexis Mattingly Holly Mattingly Tom & Phyllis Mowery-Racz Claire Floege Lisa Parks-Huber Steven Huber Ed Racz Claire Floege Jennifer Rawlings Alexandra Haugan Ed Snyder Raymond & Linda Carlile Vic & Laura Sonnino Susan Beals Maria Whitney DJ & Trish Carrier Nancy Yates DJ & Trish Carrier Skip & Robin Yates DJ & Trish Carrier In Memory Of Edward Givens Susan Givens Randy & Corine Stucker

Irene “Renie” Hall Lynn Clements Laura Lawrence June Taylor Carrie Million Naas Noah Naas Laura Neal Pamela Sheffield Pamela Parker Allan Parker COMMOTION IN THE OCEAN Title Sponsor Capital Group Chesapeake Bay Sponsor Gold Key I PHR Rudee Inlet Sponsors Beach Ford Checkered Flag Motor Co. Coca-Cola Bottling Company Consolidated Farm Fresh Food & Pharmacy Hoffman Beverage Company Old Point National Bank Optima Health The Port of Virginia Pure Paradise Water of Virginia Beach Virginia Natural Gas Waypoint Advisors Owls Creek Sponsors Atlantic Bay Mortgage Bank of America Merrill Lynch BB&T – James River Region BDO The ESG Companies First Team Auto Group JD Miles & Sons Kotarides Builders MLJ Enterprises Noah Enterprises, Inc. Thomas & Kathryn O’Hara Frances & Henry Richardson Live Auction Sponsor Diamonds Direct

Dolphin Discoveries

The Virginia Aquarium’s

Annual Golf Classic

Boat Trips!

May 9, 2018 | 11:30am-6:00pm Heron Ridge Golf Club Virginia Beach, VA

All proceeds benefit the Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program.

For more information call 757-385-0260.

Boat leaves from the Aquarium!

Visit VirginiaAquarium.com

Donate to the Aquarium Fund today!

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is a 501 (c) 3, tax exempt organization.

All donations are tax deductible.

Your support is vital to the future of our conservation programs.

www.VirginiaAquarium.com/SaveTheOcean

SPRING 2018 | VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY

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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, 2018

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.

Sea Fairy Creek Cruise April 7, 2018 | 9:30am | $15 Members | $17 Non-Members Discover the magic of Owls Creek on a 60-minute nature exploration led by Tansy and Fern, our resident fairies! Reservations required as space is limited for this enchanting excursion.

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Tickets available at VirginiaAquarium.com.

VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | SPRING 2018