Spring 2020 VAQ

SPRING 2020

Virginia Aquarium Quarterly Member Magazine

MERMAIDS SWIMMING THEIR WAY THROUGH HISTORY & HERE TO MAKE A SPLASH IN APRIL!

MEMBERSHIP QUICK FACTS HOURS OF OPERATION

9 –5 AM

CONTACT INFORMATION (757) 385-0279

PM

VirginiaAquarium.com Membership@VirginiaAquarium.com

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.

SPRING 2020, VOLUME 9, ISSUE 2 VAQ is published four times a year by the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center located at 717 General Booth Blvd., Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Ashley Laginestra

INDIVIDUAL

FAMILY

INDIVIDUAL + 1

FAMILY + 1

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

$

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

Cardholder must be present during each visit. Want to increase the impact of your membership?

Visit VirginiaAquarium.com/SaveTheOcean and make a gift to the Aquarium Fund today.

COPY EDITORS Matthew Klepeisz, Taylor Saunders ADVISOR Caryl Thompson GRAPHIC DESIGNER Krista Grabowski CONTRIBUTORS Alexis Rabon. Ashton Matheny, Barbara Beverage, Darlene Zimble, Hales Parcells, Jenny Hill, Julie Levans, Karen Burns, Karolyn Walker, Leslie Clements, Matt Klepeisz, Mike Mizell, Shawn Reid, Suzanne Savage, Tanya Will, Trish Carrier, Vicki Krauter

We care about conservation VAQ is printed with soy-based inks on post-consumer recycled paper.

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

Dolphin Di

scoveries

BOAT TRIP Book you r boat trip today at V AQBoats.c o

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m

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Upcoming Events Join us this spring!

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The New Residents

in the Chesapeake Bay Exhibits

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Animal Feature Spotted Eagle Rays

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Mermaid Tales

Mermaids around the world

A Sensible Approach to Seafood What is the Sensible Seafood Program?

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

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Very Eric Carle A Very Hungry, Quiet, Lonely, Clumsy, Busy Exhibit.

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Kid's Page The buzz on pollinators!

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Employee Spotlight Meet Doreen, a Virginia Aquarium Volunteer.

On the cover

Join us for Mermaid Mondays from 6-8:30PM on April 6, 13, 20 & 27 here at the Aquarium.

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Upcoming Events Summer Camp Registration March 25 4:30pm - 6 pm MEMBER EXCLUSIVE EVENT!

Summer is just around the corner and the Virginia Aquarium has just the camp for the child in your life. Discover the wonders of science and nature through hands-on activities, experiential learning, and outdoor adventures. Camps range for ages 6-15. Registration opens to nonmembers March 30. Members receive discounts on camp fees.

Member Evenings April 3, May 22 & June 26 6 pm - 8 pm FREE MEMBER EXCLUSIVE EVENT!

Virginia Aquarium members are fin-tastic, and to celebrate, we are throwing some special evenings just for you! Join us for an evening of fun and enjoy the Aquarium after the school groups and daytime crowds have left for the day. See your favorite animals up-close, meet some of our animal ambassadors, and enjoy an increased discount in the gift store.

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VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | SPRING 2020

FEATURE

A Sensible Approach to Seafood

By Leslie Clements The Virginia Aquarium’s Sensible Seafood Program loves striped bass. Known locally as rockfish, this local hero plays an essential role in the marine ecosystem and both commercial and recreational fisheries. In the 1980s, the striped bass almost disappeared because the demand for the fish was so high, but the stock rebounded fully by the mid-1990s.

Striped bass made a comeback because our country has improved how we manage fisheries by using science to look at the survival of the species and the overall health of the ocean.

You also make a difference in protecting this fish population by purchasing sustainable seafood.

Currently, striped bass numbers are low, but with science-based fisheries management and your Sensible Seafood choices, the striped bass population can recover again.

This year, the Sensible Seafood Program teamed up with The Ocean Project to tell the story of the striped bass to Aquarium guests. Members of the Program team encouraged guests to sign cards to our lawmakers. The cards showed our support for science-based fisheries management in anticipation of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act reauthorization next year.

The Sensible Seafood Team also promotes oceanfriendly seafood with a Virginia-specific seafood guide, which points consumers to sustainable, local seafood. Buying Virginia seafood ensures fresh seafood and supports over 11,000 jobs for those who work in the seafood industry. Pick up a guide on your next visit to the Aquarium or download it online at VirginiaAquarium.com.

Together we can make a difference to our oceans!

Join us for our annual Sensible Seafood Fest on May 7!

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d i a m r e s e l M Ta

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VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | SPRING 2020

FEATURE

Mermaids

Around the World

By Tanya Will

For centuries, mysteries of the water were explained with legends of magical beings, part-human, part-marine animal, passed down through generations. Some legends attempted to give meaning to tragedy, and others gave hope in times of distress. And, some appear simply to feed fanciful imaginations.

Yet it is intriguing that mermaid-like tales can be found in cultures spanning the globe.

While the earliest known tales are of the Assyrian goddess Atargatis, our modern depictions in the west of a strong-willed, vocally-gifted, blue-eyed red-head created in the minds of Disney® artists are anchored in Hans Christian Anderson’s timeless tale of "The Little Mermaid."

Anderson himself was likely inspired by the Melusine of Celtic and French legends, now seen on almost every Starbucks™ beverage cup. Melusine are known for their beauty, innocent nature, and gentle relationship with humans.

Similar comforting stories of an aquatic human originated in Africa of Mami Wata. She is said to be a caring mother-figure watching over humans from a nearby river’s edge and ready to intercede when needed. These tales later traversed the Atlantic on slave ships and continue to be a source of hope at Caribbean bedsides.

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Many cultures, however, tell many different stories of evil mermaid-like beings. The male merrow of Irish legends is said to be hideous and violently vicious, often attacking humans. In Brazil, there are horror stories told of Iara, who sits on the river’s edge using her melodic voice to lure Amazon River boatmen to her palace under the water.

Some mer-like folklore characters are shape-shifters like the Scottish selkies. These creatures appear as seals while in the water but are able the shed their seal-skin mantles when they want to walk among humans.

In Japan, there are stories of both the ningyo (“human fish”) and the kappa (part turtle). Legends say that anyone who eats a ningyo will receive great fortune but that catching one will also bring on horrible disasters. It is believed that the kappa, which looks kind of like a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, will warn children to stay away from the water and its dangers. You can find signs near Japanese water’s edges even today depicting a kappa and warning children that he will grab you and tickle you until you drown if you venture too near. Also, warning children to stay away from the water, Russian children are familiar with stories of the lovely, but menacing and forlorn rusalka. They are believed to be women who died tragically and in death seek humans to join them in their underwater gloom.

Come meet a mermaid & learn more about mermaid lore on Mondays in April!

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VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | SPRING 2020

Join us for Mermaid Mondays!

April 6, 13, 20 & 27 | 6 - 8:30PM

In one culture, the need for imagined stories to explain the mysterious appears to be dying out even though artifacts belying their past influence remain. Stories of the marakihau, once told among the Māori of the Pacific islands, are hard to find, yet evidence remains in the intricate wood carvings found in New Zealand.

all active imaginations to come visit with a mermaid at the Ray Touch Pool or watch them swim gracefully in the Red Sea Aquarium. You will also be able to see mermaids throughout the Main Building, and enjoy exclusive mermaid puppet shows and live musical performances at these exclusive after-hours events.

Within the tapestry of cultures around the world is woven a common thread of the human mind, and right here on the shores of the Atlantic, we see the long-lasting impact these stories have had. From King Neptune guarding the coastline of Virginia Beach to the artistic mermaids dotting Hampton Roads, and our very own enchanting visitors here at the Aquarium, mermaids and legends of the sea will sail with us for generations to come, sparking our imaginations, not unlike the once-upon-a-time tales that tell of a “land far, far away.”

For those wanting to learn even more about mermaids, we invite our guests to participate in one of the Mermaid Behind the Scenes tours. All the young budding mermaids can experience a unique salon treatment fit for the sea at Mermaid Balee’s Bubblee Boutique. Here, children ages 4 to 10 will be immersed in the world of mermaids enjoying snacks that would entice any mermaid, and a chance to participate in all kinds of mer-activities. As a special bonus, each participant of Mermaids Behind the Scenes or Mermaid Balee's Bubblee Boutique will also receive a gift certificate donated by the Mermaid Factory! This certificate will entitle the bearer to a free mermaid or dolphin, including studio time, at the Mermaid Factory in either their Norfolk or Virginia Beach location.

“ Mermaids and legends of the sea will sail with us for generations to come.”

Again this year, the Virginia Aquarium is excited to welcome to our waters, very special mermaid guests for Mermaid Mondays. Each Monday in April, we invite

Mermaid Mondays are sure to feed imaginations of all ages. But available spots for these highly popular events fill up quickly. Be sure to reserve your mermaid experience soon. Tickets are on sale now at VirginiaAquarium.com!

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GET YOUR

Protect Sea Life license plate!

Funding from the sale of the Protect Sea Life plate will support the programs & operations of the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center and its mission to inspire conservation of the marine environment through education, research, and sustainable practices.

Visit the Virgina Department of Motor Vehicles website for your license plate at dmv.virginia.gov

We’re counting on you to rescue him.

Do you have what it takes to be a hero? ‘Rescue’ puts you in charge as you discover what it’s like to be involved in land, sea and air rescues. In our newest changing exhibit, experience the challenges, technology, and training used by specialist rescue teams through a range of exciting hands-on exhibits. Take the controls of a full-size helicopter simulator, navigate jet skis around obstacles, find your way through a smoke-filled room, and much more!

Member Opening on Saturday, May 23, 2020 in the Changing Exhibit Gallery.

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VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | SPRING 2020

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Programs & Events Guide MARCH - MAY 2020 | DETACH AND KEEP FOR QUICK REFERENCE!

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

Summer Camp Early Registration MEMBER EXCLUSIVE March 25 | 4:30-6 pm Discover the wonders of science and nature with Virginia Aquarium Summer Camps. Camps range from ages 6-15.

Members receive discounts on camp fees.

General registration begins March 30.

Main Building

Career Day March 28 | 11 am -3 pm Discover careers in marine science, and chat with some professionals about their experiences in this unique and rewarding field.

Main Building

Member Appreciation Night MEMBER EXCLUSIVE April 3, May 22 & June 26 | 6-8 pm Special evenings just for members!

Join us after-hours and after the school groups and daytime crowds have left for the day to visit some of your favorite exhibits and animals!

Main Building

Mermaid Mondays April 6, 13, 20 & 27 | 6-8:30 pm Doors Open 5:30 pm Mermaids are coming back to the Virginia Aquarium! Meet Mermaid Malena and her friends as they frolic in the Red Sea aquarium, tell stories, pose for photos, and engage guests with their underwater tales!

Reservations required. $22.95 Members $32.95 Non-members Main Building

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Mermaids Behind the Scenes

Animal Enrichment Day

April 6, 13, 20 & 27 | 6:50 & 7:50 pm Take an exclusive staff-guided tour above the Red Sea Tunnel to meet the mermaids! Watch as the mermaids swim among the spotted eagle rays and colorful Red Sea residents, and talk with them about what it means to be a mermaid! Each tour is 15 minutes, and some restrictions apply. Reservations required. Price includes Mermaids Behind the Scenes and the Mermaid Monday experience. $75 per person | Limit 4 per session Main Building

April 18 | 11 am -3 pm Our animals will receive extra enrichment items like food, KongsÂŽ, and scents.

Main Building

Mermaid Balee’s Bubblee Boutique April 13 & 20 | 4:30-6 pm Immerse your child in the world of mermaids with a unique salon treatment fit for the sea! Receive the full mermaid makeover with hair, nails, and face make up, while enjoying snacks fit for a mermaid and participating in meractivities. Participants will be treated to an extraordinary viewing of the mermaids inside the Red Sea Tunnel at the conclusion of the Boutique.

Reservations required. Price includes the Boutique activities and the Mermaid Monday experience. $100 Children (4-10 years) $22.95 Adult Members $32.95 Adult Non-members Main Building | Promenade Room

As a special bonus, each participant of Mermaids Behind the Scenes or Mermaid Balee's Bubblee Boutique will also receive a gift certificate donated by the Mermaid Factory! This certificate will entitle the bearer to a free mermaid or dolphin, including studio time, at the Mermaid Factory in either their Norfolk or Virginia Beach location.

VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | SPRING 2020

Sensible Seafood Fest May 7 | 7pm -10 pm Come celebrate ocean-friendly seafood!

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

Ages 21 & up. To purchase tickets visit VirginiaAquarium.com. $55 Early Bird $65 after March 31 Main Building

Members See it First!

MEMBER EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW May 23 | 9 am -5 pm Members Only Sneak Preview of our new changing exhibit, Rescue before it opens to the general public on May 24.

Changing Exhibit Gallery

Sensory Friendly Mornings & Evenings March 18 & May 20 | 5-7pm April 19 | 7:30-9 am For guests wanting a quieter Aquarium experience, we are offering a special sensory friendly hours. See our complete list at VirginiaAquarium.com.

Free for members $19.95 Non-member children $24.95 Non-member adults Main Building

World Oceans Day June 8 | 11 am -3 pm Celebrate our blue planet with live animal presentations and activity carts. and learn what we can do to help protect our oceans!

Main Building

S.T.E.A.M.

TODDLER PROGRAMS

BEHIND-THE-SCENES

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.

Sponsored by Bob & Leslie Fort.

These specially designed programs help encourage lifelong learning and are included with admission. Sponsored by Bob & Leslie Fort.

It takes a lot to keep our Aquarium running, and our Behind-the-Scenes experiences give you a chance to see some of the work we do!

Toddler Tuesdays

Above & Beyond*

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

Main Building | Classroom

Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays & Sundays | 12:30pm Take a peek at the inner workings of a public aquarium and learn about how we care for our fish and other marine animals during this tour of selected Aquarium service areas. $15 Members | $20 Non-members Main Building

Electricity March 4 | 3:30–4:30pm Join us to make your own electrical circuits and learn how animals like sharks can detect electricity.

Main Building | Classroom

Plants

Sea Turtles*

March 18 | 3:30–4:30pm Through hands-on experiments and activities, learn how plants breathe, drink water, and create their own energy.

Main Building | Classroom

Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays | 1pm Go above the Chesapeake Light Tower Aquarium to observe aquarists conducting a feeding and behavioral training session with our sea turtles. $15 Members | $20 Non-members Main Building

Whales April 1 | 3:30–4:30pm Join us as we learn about the fascinating world of whales.

Main Building | Classroom

Fossils April 15 | 3:30–4:30pm Create your own archaeological dig site and discover fossils and geodes inside the rocks we find.

Main Building | Classroom

Rainbows May 13 | 3:30–4:30pm Create a kaleidoscope and do experiments with light to find out how rainbows are formed.

Main Building | Classroom

Pollinators May 27 | 3:30–4:30pm Join us for activities to learn about pollination and construct your own bee hotel to attract pollinators to your yard.

Main Building | Classroom

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.

Main Building | Changing Exhibit Hallway

*Reservations are required by noon. Program lasts about 45 minutes. Participants must be at least 8 years old, 48" tall and able to climb stairs. Children under age 13 must be accompanied by a paying participating adult.

Puppet Shows March 17, April 21 & May 19 10am & 11am On the third Tuesday of every month, our Toddler Tuesday features a live-action puppet show to accompany storytime.

Main Building | Classroom

Playtime with Miss Jenny Wednesdays | 10am–Noon Join Miss Jenny & Friends for playtime, activities and fun.

Main Building | Wildflower Garden Deck

BOAT TRIPS 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. Visit VAQboats.com to purchase tickets.

Dolphin Discoveries Through October | Check website for dates, times, and special trips.

CAREFULLY DETACH

Take an unforgettable 90-minute excursion exploring for Virginia’s most common and charismatic marine mammal, bottlenose dolphins! $20 Members, $22.95 Non-members Aquarium Boat Dock

and enjoy the poison dart frog poster on the other side once you've been to all our events!

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Yellow-banded poison dart frog (Dendrobates leucomelas)

FEATURE

Very Eric Carle: A Very Hungry, Quiet, Lonely, Clumsy, Busy Exhibit

By Matt Klepeisz

Don't miss this our newest changing exhibit with something for everyone!

NOW OPEN through MAY 5, 2020 Enter the world of renowned children’s author and illustrator Eric Carle in the Virginia Aquarium’s newest changing exhibit, Very Eric Carle: A Very Hungry, Quiet, Lonely, Clumsy, Busy Exhibit!

Eric Carle, known for his classic children’s books like The Very Hungry Caterpillar, The Very Quiet Cricket, The Very Lonely Firefly, The Very Clumsy Click Beetle and The Very Busy Spider, among others, has been a staple of children’s libraries for over fifty years. This new exhibit presents Eric Carle’s “Very” series, introducing five special insects who take journeys of discovery.

When you stop by Very Eric Carle you can become the Very Hungry Caterpillar as you follow his path, weave a web with the Very Busy Spider, find your light with the

IN THE CHANGING EXHIBIT GALLERY

Very Lonely Firefly, make the Very Clumsy Click Beetle flip and jump, compose a night symphony with the Very Quiet Cricket, create artwork using many of Eric Carle’s materials and techniques, and an opportunity to enjoy a gallery or prints from Eric Carle’s Very Series, as well as works in progress.

Don’t miss this amazing exhibit with something memorable for everyone! Very Eric Carle: A Very Hungry, Quiet, Lonely, Clumsy, Busy Exhibit is included in your Aquarium admission.

This Exhibit was co-organized by Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh and The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art.

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KID'S PAGE

All The Buzzz on

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BEEWSINGS ABOUT T H E IR AET S M BEEWSINGB TSIE A BO U T

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VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | SPRING 2020

COFFEE FILTER BUTTERFLY Create a colorful butterfly with household items!

Supplies • Coffee Filter

• Washable Markers

• Pipe Cleaner

• Spray Bottle

Instructions Using your favorite color draw a dark ring in the center of the coffee filter. Spray the coffee filter with water until the marker ink begins to run. Once the coffee filter is dry, scrunch the coffee filter (the wings of the butterfly) in the middle and tie with a pipe cleaner (the body of the pipe cleaner). You can make more butterflies and experiment with the number of colors and the number of rings you draw on the coffee filters.

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Just for

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LA UG HS

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What did one bee say to the other when they landed on the same flower?

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Buzz off.

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A bee that will not stop eating will eventually become a little

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chub-bee!

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BACKYARD ACTIVITIES

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Pollen Search Gently rub a q-tip on the center of a flower. Discover which flowers have pollen, which flowers have the most pollen, and do all flowers have the same color pollen?

Pollinator Scavenger Hunt

Plant a pollinator garden in your backyard!

• Bees • Butterflies • Bats • Humming Birds • Moths

Start with these native plants: • Milkweed • Coneflower • Black-eyed Susan

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DID YOU KNOW?

Bees dance to communicate with other bees.

Can you connect the dots to help the bee describe what plant he found?

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FEATURE

The New Chesapeake Bay Exhibit Gallery Animals

By Julie Levans

The Chesapeake Bay is a diverse ecosystem that provides an excellent nursery and is home to more than 2,700 different species of plants and animals. To highlight this great biodiversity, we opened four new habitats featuring some of the smaller plants and animals that are found in our “backyard.�

Balance of Nature Every ecosystem needs a balance.

Snakes such as timber rattlesnakes and rat snakes help to contribute to the balance by helping keep populations of small rodents under control. Check out our snake in this new exhibit located next to the hellbenders.

Timber rattlesnake

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VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | SPRING 2020

Life Above & Below the Mud Be sure to check out the fiddler crabs who can be seen waving their big claws to attract mates. This habitat is incredibly natural all the way down to the authentic smell of pluff mud that came from Owl Creek. The tide fluctuates throughout the day to create a natural environment for the crabs, snails, mussels, grasses, and anything else that may be living in the richly organic substrate.

Fiddler Crabs

Life Among the Grasses Seahorses and pipefish can found among the grasses of the Chesapeake Bay and are cousins in the syngnathid family of fishes.

A quick reflex creates a suction in which these fishes suck up their prey consisting of small shrimps and plankton. Listen closely, and you can hear the click of the snick when they are eating. Did you know that these animals essentially do not have a stomach and therefore require eating throughout the day because of their quick digestive system?

Pipefish

The More the Merrier All life stages are essential in the vibrant ecosystem of the Chesapeake Bay. You will see a variety of different species on exhibit throughout the year in this habitat. Different seasons bring different temperatures, critters, and life stages to our waters, creating a healthy environment for all.

Seahorses

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ANIMAL FEATURE

The Spotted Eagle Ray

By Julie Levans

Spotted eagle rays can have a wingspan of up to 10 feet!

Listed as "Near Threatened" by the IUCN Red List, spotted eagle rays can be found throughout much of the world's temperate and tropical coasts and reefs even though their numbers are steadily decreasing.

Named for their brilliant black and white spotted pattern, these beauties can soar through the ocean with wingspans of up to 10 feet in length. Often observed "flying" out of the water to evade boats or predators, these rays usually travel in small groups that travel long distances in search of food. Spotted eagle rays use their duckbill-like rostrums to sift through the sand in search of bivalves, shrimp, crabs, and even octopus.

These rays have spines or barbs located near the base of their very long tail. They use these spines as a last chance effort to flee from major predators such as tiger sharks, lemon sharks, and hammerheads.

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VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | SPRING 2020

Spotted eagle rays are known to give birth to one to four pups after a one year gestation period. AZA institutions are working together through Species Survival Plans to ensure genetic diversity for this species for generations to come.

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Spotlight on Doreen Cote

By Shawn Reid Our very own Doreen "Dorie" Cote keeps swimming her way into everyone's heart with her infectious laugh, kind disposition, and always helpful manner.

Doreen was born in Groton, CT and has lived in Virginia Beach since 1991. She has been married to her husband, Jim, for 29 years. Doreen is very close with their beautiful daughter, Tracy, who is 25 and getting married in August 2020! Doreen retired in 2010 after working 36 years as a civil servant with the Department of Defense.

After the loss of her parents and her daughter going off to college, Doreen decided to volunteer at the aquarium on the advice of some friends who volunteered here. Doreen started as a Gallery Docent and is currently juggling Onsite Education, Sensible Seafood, Scout Programs, Special Projects/Events, and New Volunteer Orientations. Most of her volunteer hours come from the Aquarium's Dolphin, Whale & Wildlife boat programs. As if all her volunteer service is not enough, Doreen has also held various positions on the Volunteer League Board and is currently serving as their president.

Besides volunteering at the Virginia Aquarium, Doreen has many other interests. Doreen is an avid reader.

She also loves to travel to new and exciting places to experience different cultures and photograph all the natural beauty of the world. She hates to be late, and lives by the motto, "Don't ask anyone to do something that you wouldn't do yourself!" Doreen's favorite Aquarium exhibit is the sea turtles, as she finds them very beautiful and peaceful. Doreen believes that volunteering is rewarding and exciting. She truly believes that you get more out of volunteering personally then what she puts in and feels that it is heartwarming to make a memorable experience for a guest, something we should all strive to do.

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Honor Roll of Donors

Gifts of $250 or more | July 1, 2019 – December 31, 2019 Gifts can be made at www.VirginiaAquarium.com/SaveTheOcean The Honor Roll of Donors recognizes gifts and pledges to the Aquarium Fund. The Aquarium Fund provides vital support to help maintain exhibits and care for thousands of animals, provide educational offerings to visitors, offer outreach programs to schools, conduct research and conservation activities, and operate our nationally-recognized Stranding Response Program. For more information, please contact the Development Office at 757-385-0260. $10,000 & ABOVE The Oceanfront Inn/Vakos Family

$5,000 - $9,999 BB&T BankCard Services Michelle & Richard Collins Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation/Mr. Troy Lindsey Mr. & Mrs. Lee D. Entsminger The Fain Family Fund of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation Bob & Leslie Fort Craig & Sue Grube Mr. & Mrs. Stephen M. Snyder United Way of South Hampton Roads

$2,500 - $4,999 Allionce Group, LLC Anonymous Mr. Thomas C. Broyles Sal & Maureen DaBiero R. & C. Dickerson Family Fund of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation Dr. Clarence A. Holland Norfolk Southern Foundation Daniel R. Peterson TC Energy Foundation

$1,000 - $2,499 Atlantic Union Bank/Mr. Andrew C. Hodge Beach Municipal Federal Credit Union Mr. & Mrs. R. Bruce Bradley The Brock Foundation/Mrs. Joan P. Brock Mr. & Mrs. David C. Burton Barbara Ciara Mr. & Mrs. Robert H. DeFord, Jr. Douglas and Marianne Dickerson Foundation of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation

ExxonMobil Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Thomas E. Fraim, Sr. Mr. & Mrs. H. Moncure Geho Family of Chris & Courtney Graves Mr. William A. Hearst Mrs. Dorcas Helfant-Browning Mr. & Mrs. Bert Henderson IV Katherine M. Hines Dr. & Mrs. Glenn C. Jones In honor of Ann Golpira & Zoe Jones Mr. & Mrs. Kyle D. Korte Esi Waters Langston Mr. John P. Matson The McNicholas Family Ms. Delceno C. Miles/The Miles Agency Ms. Sherri L. Miles Elly & Richard Mladick Dr. & Mrs. Thomas O’Hara Otto Design + Marketing Ms. Suzanne Savage Bert & Missy Schmidt Audrey & John E.* Settle, Jr. Louis Snyder Foundation Fund of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation Christopher & Cynthia Spanoulis Mr. & Mrs. Robert N. Taylor Kathryn & Raymond Toll The Honorable Frank W. Wagner Walmart Corporate Giving, Store #3216 Drs. Kurt & Samantha Wetzler Ken & Nancy Wilson Dave & Karen Worrall

$500 – $999 At Home Carrie S. Camp Foundation, Inc. Mr. & Mrs. Alexander W. Cecil Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign Keith & Kim Curtis

20 thAnnual

Virginia Aquarium

Golf Classic SPONSORED BY ATLANTIC UNION BANK

Mr. & Mrs. M. Richard Epps Claire Floege In honor of Tabitha Ferguson, Jasmine Frank, Tom & Phyllis Mowery-Racz, Edith Racz, Jay Racz, Lisa Racz, Chance Thomson & Cyndie Thomson Thomas E. & Julie B. Fraim, Jr. Mr. C. Jeffrey Moore Anne & Chris Rusbuldt Dan & Nancy Ryan Kathy A. Shield Conrad Shumadine Cathie J. Vick Deborah & Scott Waitzer Ken & Nancy Wilson

$250 - $499 Altria Group, Inc. Amanda Ayala In memory of Hector “Kekoa” Melendez Michael & Beverly Campbell Mr. & Mrs. William Dillon Cathy & Davis Johnson Mr. & Mrs. John F. Malbon Carol & Kenneth Moncayo Elsie N. (Sis) and Monroe Nash Fund of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Vincent R. Olivieri Mr. J. Howard Rodman Merlin & Rita Statzer Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Steinberg Carol & George Temple Karolyn L. Walker through the United Way of South Hampton Roads Christina & Lee Westnedge Norman Zwahlen *deceased

May 13, 2020 | 11AM – 6PM Heron Ridge Golf Club

2973 HERON RIDGE DR, VIRGINIA BEACH, VA 23456 All proceeds benefit the Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program, which operates on donations and grants.

For more information contact Morgan Sherrill at 757-385-5104 or MSherrill@VirginiaAquarium.com

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VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | SPRING 2020

CHANGE

Zip and Climb All Year Round!

Members save $5 per ticket with code VAQ20

OUR ACTIONS

WHAT GOES UP MUST COME DOWN.

More details and online booking at

VirginiaBeachAdventurePark.com Or call us at 757-385-4947

Backpack $24.99

Balloons released into the air will return to land or water as harmful debris. By avoiding balloon releases, you can help protect animals and their habitats!

Decorative Glass Plate $16.99

Figurines $9.99 Change Bank $13.99

LED Lamp $9.99

Bubble Wand $14.99

Ornament $15.99 Plush Doll $15.99

Mermaids

AT THE AQUARIUM STORE

Mermaids everywhere!

We're celebrating Mermaid Mondays at the Aquarium Store with one-of-a-kind Mermaid finds! Stop in and shop today!

SPRING 2020 | 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

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.

Postmaster: Please deliver by March 31, 2020

NEW! See them all!

Don't miss these movies while they're playing at the Virginia Aquarium.

NOW PLAYING! On one of the the largest screens in Virginia Virginia Aquarium's Giant Screen Theater