Summer 2017 VAQ

SUMMER 2017

Virginia Aquarium Quarterly

GIANT INSECTS SEE THEM IN OUR CHANGING EXHIBIT GALLERY

MEET THE KEEPERS STARTING THIS SUMMER!

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MEMBERSHIP QUICK FACTS HOURS OF OPERATION

9 –5 AM

CONTACT INFORMATION (757) 385-0279

PM

VirginiaAquarium.com Membership@VirginiaAquarium.com

Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas

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

SUMMER 2017, VOLUME 6, ISSUE 3 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.

DAILY ADMISSIONS PER MEMBERSHIP LEVEL

2 4 6 OTTER

CRAB

HEDGEHOG

MEMBERSHIP LEVELS WILL BE CHANGING JULY 1, 2017 At least one named cardholder must be present during each visit. Philanthropic membership is also available through our Giving Societies. Learn more at www.VirginiaAquarium.com/join.

EDITOR Matthew Klepeisz ADVISOR Caryl Thompson

Give back while shopping!

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Ashley Laginestra CONTRIBUTORS Karen Burns, Lynn Clements, Mary McCarthy, Alexis Rabon, Barbara Beverage, Jennifer Hill, Taylor Saunders, Shawn Reid, Lisa Grigolite, Trish Carrier, Karolyn Walker, Rachel Metz, Chip Harshaw, Steven Knoop, Shayna Gaskins, Jovonne Vrechek

AmazonSmile will give 0.5% of proceeds from eligible purchases to the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center when you shop. Start now at smile.amazon.com!

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.

Kroger will also give back to your Aquarium through their Kroger Community Rewards program when you register your Kroger Plus card online at krogercommunityrewards.com.

HIGHLIGHTS

LYNN'S LINES

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Meet the Keepers

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Giant Insects

HELLO SUMMERTIME Summer is a time when dolphins romp in our coastal waters and entertain our guests aboard the Atlantic Explorer, and our Nature Play Place is open for little ones to discover the world around them through hands-on exploration.

And, of course, summer also means many tourists will visit the Aquarium.

We hope that you’ll be visiting us, too. We recognize that we need to make sure that there’s always something new for you, our members, to experience.

For example, we are increasing the number of scheduled keeper talks, so you’ll have even more opportunities to interact with our amazing animal care team. New movies are also showing at our National Geographic 3D Theater, including “Amazon 3D” and the recently released “Amazing Mighty Micro Monsters 3D.” Our new changing exhibit, “World of Giant Insects,” is ideal for young and old, too.

Because of your feedback, we are making other changes — some simple, some larger — so you can better enjoy your visit. Be on the lookout for our redesigned website, created for a mobile experience, and our updated blog.

What other changes would you recommend? I’d love to have your suggestions and feedback. Please send them to Marketing@VirginiaAquarium.com. Only with your feedback and support can we continue to improve.

Yours truly,

Executive Director

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Fish Popsicles

Komodo Update

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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

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Support

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FISH FINATIC

CLEARNOSE SKATE

Raja eglanteria | Coming soon to the Chesapeake Bay exhibit

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Skates are elasmobranchs, which means they’re related to sharks and stingrays. Their flat shape can make them difficult to tell apart from stingrays.

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Unlike stingrays, skates don’t have barbs. They do have little thorns along the top, which can feel sharp but don’t have any venom.

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Skates lay eggs. The empty egg cases often wash ashore and are sometimes called mermaids’ purses.

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Clearnose skates grow to about 1 ½ feet wide and almost 3 feet long. They are common along the eastern shore of the US, where they eat mollusks, shrimp, crabs, and small fish.

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Like other skates, clearnose skates often bury in the sand. The clear windowpanes on either side of their nose may help them remain camouflaged while still allowing for them to watch for predators or prey.

FEATURE

SPEAKING FOR THE ANIMALS B Y R AC H E L M E T Z

I am an animal person; there is no doubt about it.

As someone who has worked with animals in some way, shape, or form for over 20 years, I can attest to the fact that there is nothing quite as exciting as discovering an animal for the first time and seeing that animal up close and personal. The experience is heightened by having the opportunity to learn about the species directly from those who know them best – the keepers and aquarists. I believe that with each and every one of the 10,000 animals here at the Aquarium, we have opportunities to inspire conservation-minded actions in unique and exciting ways.

From the tiny little chickadee to the biggest Komodo dragon, connecting the visitor with our animals is one of the most important, if not THE most important, things we do.

I feel this way for good reason. While I am currently the Director of Live Exhibits for the Aquarium, it was one of my experiences in a past job as an animal trainer that showed

O U R K E E P E R S , L I K E J AC K I E ( A B OV E ) , WO R K W I T H O U R A N I M A L S DA I LY & F O R M S P E C I A L R E L AT I O N S H I P S W I T H E AC H A N I M A L .

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me how much of a difference we can make. I can clearly remember speaking to a group of young children after I completed a live animal demonstration. I was sitting on a small platform next to my favorite animal- the big, hairy, noisy, Super Dog the sea lion. On a daily basis, Super Dog and I would go out on stage to educate and inspire people of all ages. As Super Dog and I sat there,

Visit & learn about some of the Aquarium’s most fascinating animals from the people who know them best – our Animal Care Staff!

I answered a myriad of questions from the kids: "how long can he hold his breath?" "How many pounds of fish does he eat?" "Does his breath smell bad!?" At one point, I asked a question in return. I asked the children why they thought that Super Dog was important. One child gave me an answer that really hit home. He said that Super Dog was important because he speaks for all the sea lions, since they can't speak for themselves.

THE BOND BETWEEN THE ANIMAL AND K E E P E R R E S U LT S I N T R U S T T H AT I S C R I T I C A L D U R I N G DA I LY C A R E .

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Starting this summer, the Animal Care Staff at the Virginia Aquarium will be introducing you to some of our most beloved animals. We are proud to present new “Meet the Keeper” experiences.

Visit and learn about some of the Aquarium’s most fascinating animals from the people who know them best – our Animal Care Staff! Throughout the day, our talented and caring animal keepers and aquarists will take some time away from their regular work to share stories and information about the animals for which they care. Aquarium guests will have the opportunity to hear about natural history and learn practices that can help protect our animals’ wild counterparts. Guests may also get the inside scoop on the animals’ care and hear stories about their likes, dislikes, personalities, and unique traits that make our individual animals special and dear to our hearts.

I hope you will join us this summer to “Meet the Keepers” yourself!

ANIMAL FEATURE

BOUNCING BUNDLES OF KOMODOS! B Y C H I P H A R S H AW

Near the end of last summer, on August 18, two baby Komodo dragons suddenly appeared on exhibit. After nearly four years of effort by the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, we successfully reproduced this unique endangered species. Since our discovery, the baby dragons have been thriving on a steady diet of their favorite foods: mealworms and rodents. As a result, they have grown rapidly. In fact, each has nearly doubled in length, with our largest of the two increasing from 18.89 inches to over 31 inches currently! (That’s almost 3 feet long!)

Our Komodo hatchlings are about the length of 5 one dollar bills.

From the beginning, we have wanted to allow our guests a glimpse of these unique hatchlings, but we also had to allow the dragons time to grow and get stronger first. We are now excited to share that members of our exhibits team are planning a public habitat to house these hatchlings! This will provide our guests the opportunity to see them in the near future. While we don’t have a specific opening date yet, we know that they will be in a location referred to as our our Conservation Station. This will not

only provide a habitat suitable for the rapidly growing pair of baby dragons, but after they outgrow it, we will reuse it for other animals, helping to continue educating our guests about the conservation of threatened species from around the world.

We have come a long way and are thrilled at the prospect of finishing the designs and beginning construction on this important and exciting new exhibit.

To be able to eventually show smaller versions of the largest monitor lizards in the world, the Komodo dragon, born here at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, will be incredible.

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BY MATT KLEPEISZ

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Some of the most interesting creatures on Earth are insects, and this summer, you will have the chance to see them up close (and without a magnifying glass)!

colossal carnivores and herbivores will crawl, fly, camouflage, and metamorphose throughout the changing exhibit gallery at the Aquarium.

The Virginia Aquarium’s next changing exhibit is the World of Giant Insects, a collection of oversized robotic insects that will surely amaze you. These

You’ll be introduced to two fighting Atlas beetles, some of the strongest animals on the planet for their size. The males, with horns interlocked, are battling

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over mates in their Asian home. A gigantic jungle nymph stick insect uses its camouflage to blend in with its surroundings. The carnivorous praying mantis searches for its next meal of insects. The 15 foot caterpillar inches its way along a leaf before it becomes the beautiful swallowtail butterfly, and the monstrous desert locust prepares a vegetarian feast of plants.

Want to take control? Operate the robotic heads of three insects! You can move the giant mosquito, the massive honeybee, and the oversized dragonfly heads while learning about these cool insects!

Find all of that and more in the Aquarium’s changing exhibits gallery through September 4, 2017, at World of Giant Insects!

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A SUMMER OF

NEW ADVENTURES

BY KEMA G ER OUX

New zip lines for even the youngest climbers have been added to The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium. Now, more than ever, The Adventure Park is the perfect place for introducing children as young as 5 years old to the excitement of scampering through the treetops while using our state-ofthe-art safety system.

Our Labyrinth climbing area is specially designed for pint-sized guests and now features access to three new zip lines! Meet up with pals for some fresh-air fun on this ultimate playground.

But the park isn’t just for youngsters. Teenagers and adults – whether first-time climbers or serious athletes – often sum up their experience in the park’s Adventure Forest with one word: “Awesome.” New trails have been added to the park’s Adventure Forest since it opened in 2014. This area now has 15 trails that are color coded by the degree of challenge they offer, just like at a ski slope. The easiest purple and yellow trails are about ten feet above the ground and offer a perfect first experience for beginners. Green trails offer climbs that are twenty feet high and bridges that require more balance, agility, and strength. Blue and Black trails offer increasingly difficult challenges, and their 55-foot heights provide additional thrills.

Many locals and visitors have climbed in the park again and again. Kids and adults come for birthday parties and team celebrations at the park. They have date nights, make

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The Labyrinth provides an ideal climbing environment for families with children ages 5-10.

marriage proposals, and celebrate golden anniversaries.

Many local business leaders choose the park for corporate outings and teambuilding events.

The park is open year-round with summer climbing from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Night climbs are lit with low-intensity LED lights that create a magical twilight effect and weekly Glow in the Park events feature colorful lighting and music by local performers and deejays.

Don’t just have fun at The Adventure Park. Make a memory to last a lifetime!

MEMBER Q & A

A MEMBER'S PERSPECTIVE

The Park Family (As told by Jacob) Members for: 6 years What is your favorite animal at the Aquarium & why?

The sand tiger sharks have always been the extra motivation for me to go to the Aquarium especially when I used to be interested in sharks. I actually know many shark facts.

Sand tigers are the only shark known to come to the surface and gulp air.

Do you attend any programs? Which ones & why?

Although an application process was necessary for Mentoring Young Scientists Program, it was an extraordinary experience.

In this program, I learned a lot, from conservation to recycling, education, and, even, volunteering. It is definitely the next step to fulfilling your aspirations.

Have you been on one of the Aquarium’s Sea Adventures boat trips?

The winter and summer time is when I go on the Aquarium’s Sea Adventures boat trip. My favorite part is when everyone on the boat becomes excited when marine mammals appear. Once I saw four whales breaching during a trip!

Jacob

Why did your family become members of the Aquarium?

Even before my brother and I both got involved in the Aquarium, we often visited the Aquarium for educational and entertainment purposes. My parents, knowing this, thought it was a great idea to become members.

What is your favorite memory of the Aquarium?

Successfully completing the “black” trail at the Adventure Park was a feeling of extreme greatness I’ll never forget. By the way, I can’t wait until I become old enough for the double black trail!

USE YOUR MEMBERSHIP ON MORE. Jacob may have seen whales, but now is the time for dolphins! As a member you receive a discounted Dolphin Discoveries ticket at $20.

Trips leave from the Aquarium boat dock daily.

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PROGRAM& EVENTS GUIDE JUNE - AUGUST 2017 | DETACH AND KEEP FOR QUICK REFERENCE

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

World Oceans Day June 8 | 11am–3pm The Virginia Aquarium will make a splash as we celebrate World Ocean's Day 2017!

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

BAY & OCEAN PAVILION

International Ocean Film Tour, Volume 4 June 8 | 6:30–8:30pm The International Ocean Film Tour, Volume 4, presented by the Great Outdoor Provision Co., wraps the most powerful stories, inspiring protagonists, and stunning visuals, into one event. It will be one night, seven documentaries, and 120 minutes.

$5 per person NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC 3D THEATER

Nature Play Place Grand Opening & Fairy Tea Party June 16 | 10am–1pm Enjoy special activities to kick off the opening of Nature Play Place for the summer season, including refreshments with Tansy, our resident woodland fairy.

NATURE PLAY PLACE

Marsh Mondays Mondays, June 19–August 28 | 10am–1pm Join us on the Marsh Overlook to learn about Owls Creek! Guests will discover plants and animals of a saltmarsh, an oyster reef, and a freshwater pond. Trained volunteers will be on hand for animal interactions and to lead guided tours.

NATURE TRAIL

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Jaws July 6, 13, 20, 27 | 6:30pm Each Thursday in July, enjoy Jaws as it returns to the big screen. Before each screening, visitors will be treated to an introduction by one of our shark experts!

$5.95 Members | $7.95 Non-members NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC 3D THEATER

Shark Shenanigans July 8–11 | 11am–3pm Celebrate one of the oceans most mysterious residents…Sharks! Educational programs, Curiosity Cart presentations and keeper talks will focus on conservation efforts to ensure survival of this keystone species.

BAY & OCEAN PAVILION

Adult Overnight August 4 | 7pm–8:30am Explore the Aquarium after dark for a night of dinner, drinks, games, and activities.

Then, snuggle up with your favorite fishes once the lights go down.

$85 Members | $100 Non-members BAY & OCEAN PAVILION

World Tomistoma Day August 5 | 11am–3pm Activity stations, carts, and expert keeper talks will highlight this endangered crocodilian species. See our resident Tomistomas and learn how the Virginia Aquarium is a world leader in Tomistoma conservation efforts.

BAY & OCEAN PAVILION

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

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.

MARSH PAVILION

Puppet Shows June 20, July 18 & August 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

S.T.E.A.M.

BEHIND THE SCENES SEA ADVENTURES

Geared for ages 2–7 and focused on integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. Reservations required. Call (757) 385–0310 or email jlhill@virginiaaquarium.com to register. $5 Members; $7 Non-members

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.

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.

Pollinators

Sea Turtles

Dolphin Discoveries

June 7, June 14 | 3:30–4:30pm

Monday, Wednesday & Friday | 1pm

Through October

Join us for activities to learn about pollination and construct your own bee hotel to attract pollinators to your yard.

DISCOVERY ROOM MARSH PAVILION

Solar Power June 21, June 28 | 3:30–4:30pm

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

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

The sun provides light to the earth. Learn how different organisms use the sun’s light while we capture the light of the sun to take a picture with a pin-hole camera that you build.

CLASSROOM BAY & OCEAN PAVILION

Above & Beyond

What’s in that Rock?

$15 Members | $20 Non-members

July 5, July 12 | 3:30–4:30pm Learn how to create your own archaeological dig site and discover fossils and geodes inside the rocks we find.

CLASSROOM BAY & OCEAN PAVILION

Sustained Wind July 19, July 26 | 3:30–4:30pm Join us for wind experiments and learn how a hurricane is created while engineering a building that can sustain hurricane force winds.

CLASSROOM BAY & OCEAN PAVILION

Alternative Energy August 2, August 9 | 3:30–4:30pm Learn about reusable energy sources while creating a generator that uses wind to light up a small light.

CLASSROOM BAY & OCEAN PAVILION

How Does My Brain Work?

August 16, August 23 | 3:30–4:30pm Join us for activities and experiments about how your brain works by using electrical impulses.

CLASSROOM BAY & OCEAN PAVILION

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

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

BAY & OCEAN PAVILION

Seals Monday–Saturday | 2pm Participants will venture behind-the-scenes where they will speak with one of the Aquarium’s professional mammal trainers and meet one of our harbor seals! Guests will learn about these and other amazing marine mammals, their adaptations, our training techniques, and efforts to conserve marine animals and their environment. 45 minutes.

$45 Members | $55 Non-members BAY & OCEAN PAVILION

Ocean Collections Every Wednesday: June 21 – August 30 | 1pm 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

Craft Brews Cruise Friday: June 9, July 14, August 11 | 7pm Set sail with the Virginia Aquarium for our 2017 series of Craft Brews Cruises. During this two hour trip, you will be treated to special offerings from our Sensible Seafood program partners.

$33 Members | $35 Non-members AQUARIUM BOAT DOCK

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JUST FOR KIDS

TISES N A M G N I PRAY Family Activity How many images do insects with compound eyes see?

What Happened?

Insects and some crustaceans have compound eyes. Compound eyes can have tens of thousands of facets and each facet contains a lens. The human eye has only one lens and sees one image. Let’s discover how many images a praying mantis sees at once with its compound eyes.

Each straw represents a single facet of a compound eye with a single lens. When looking through a single straw, you see a small portion of the image you are looking at through a single lens. By grouping the straws together, you have made a model of a compound eye with many facets and each facet having a single lens. When looking through the compound eye model even though there are many lenses your brain still processes the information into a single image. The model demonstrates that a compound eye sees a pixelated version of one image and does not see thousands of the same image even though it has many lenses.

What You’ll Need Scissors, Rubber band, 8 recycled drinking straws

Set-up: Cut each straw into 2” sections to make 24 pieces of straw. Gather all the 2” pieces of straw together in a circular shape and secure the pieces together with the rubber band. Close one of your eyes and hold the grouping of straws 6” from your other eye and look through the holes of the straws to see the visual image in front of you.

DIDYO KNOW

U ?

Praying mantises can turn their heads 180 degrees!

Mac, that critter is looking at me funny...

I wonder what I look like to it.

Because compound eyes have thousands of lenses, insects must see thousands of me when they look at me.

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No Charlie, insects only see one of you. All of the lenses add up to create a "pixelated" image.

FAN PHOTOS

SEND US YOUR FAVORITE PHOTOS TAKEN AT THE AQUARIUM The top picks will be included in VAQ. Send a max of 3 high resolution jpeg files to VAQmag@VirginiaAquarium.com. Sending photos grants the Virginia Aquarium the right to use the photos in promotional materials. Please limit attachments to 10MB per email.

3 Generations

Joanne Danaher

Isabel's First Visit Sandra Jimenez

Sting Ray Love Eve Poteet

Aquarium Time

Sean Adams

Kelly

Kristine Benadum

Komodo Awe Rachel Kelley

Sea Turtles Michelle Willke

Splish Splash

Stephanie Stewart

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EXPERT Q & A

STEPHEN KNOOP Herpetologist What do you do for the Aquarium?

I am an animal caretaker in the Herpetology department.

Herpetology is the study of reptiles and amphibians, so I work with our Komodo dragons, Tomistoma crocodiles, and all of the snakes and frogs.

What is an average day like?

Most of our day involves cleaning up messes that the animals make, changing water dishes, and checking heat and UVB bulbs. Of course I get to do fun things like feeding, training, and providing enrichment for the animals too.

What do you like best about your work and why?

Obviously, working with animals is the reason I wanted to become a keeper in the first place, and I love working with all of the animals every day. However, one of my favorite parts about this job is getting the opportunity to create new exhibits. I enjoy design and making things with my hands. Our poison dart frog and Gonocephalus exhibits are two of my favorites that I’ve personally built.

What is the most difficult part of your job?

Working with all of the animals in my department has its ups and its downs, and many of the species I work with have relatively short life spans. Forming bonds with the animals makes working with them enjoyable but makes their passing difficult. While all loss is difficult, losing Jude was by far the most difficult part of my job so far.

What advice would you offer to someone interested in this career?

First, this field is extremely competitive, which makes getting a job difficult. Second, it requires at least a bachelor’s degree, preferably in biology/zoology. Third, you will need to have several internships and/or time spent volunteering at an AZA accredited facility. Lastly, developing good people skills is becoming increasingly more important. Many facilities expect keeper staff to interact with the public. Learning good communication skills and working positively with others can go a long way in setting yourself apart from the pack!

The animals are our number one priority. They receive regular check ups thanks to our staff. Pictured above, Stephen prepares to weigh the Malaysian horned frog, Baby Cakes.

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What is your favorite experience while working at the Aquarium?

Without a doubt, finding the two newly hatched Komodo dragons on exhibit. I went onto exhibit to record temperatures and UV readings and saw two little dragon heads poking out of the ground. The rest of the day was crazy, but by far finding those two has been the highlight of my five years here.

FEATURE

SKIP THE STRAW B Y K A R O LY N WA L K E R

I have worked at the Aquarium since February 2008.

During this time, I have educated myself on Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. I attend our lunch and learns, listen to co-workers, pay attention to our Green Team when they report out at our staff meetings, and bring my kids to the Eleanor & Henry Watts Conservation Speaker series. I learned the rules of recycling from TFC, I recycled plastics #1 & #2, glass, paper, metal, cardboard, and cartons, and I use reusable grocery bags. I thought I was making a big impact, and then I was asked to attend the Aquarium Plastic Pollution Symposium.

The symposium brought together nearly 150 aquarium leaders, scientists, and other experts to share the latest information on ocean and freshwater pollution and to

Plastic litter from takeout orders (including cups, plates, cutlery and straws) are a prime source of the estimated 269,000 tons of plastic pollution swept into the waterways and oceans. discuss solutions. While attending the Symposium, I learned that between 10 and 20 million tons of plastic end up in the oceans per year. Roughly 80% of the trash in oceans comes from the land. Oceans are becoming landfills.

Ocean currents act like paper shredders; large plastics are broken down into microplastics creating a “plastic smog.� By the end of the conference I felt overwhelmed, but inspired. I knew I could take action and make a difference. I would reduce my use of single use plastics.

I started by looking at what single use plastics were in my house. I was shocked to see how many my family and I were using. The first change we made was to school lunches. We stopped using juice bags with straws and now use reusable bottles that fit in their lunch boxes. We also began to buy snacks in bulk and put them in reusable containers. We have eliminated plastic straws at home and in restaurants.

We use reusable shopping bags and reuse plastic bags. We stopped buying plastic water bottles and soda bottles.

I use my travel mug for purchasing coffee and refuse single use creamers. While some of these choices have been relatively simple changes, others have required a more concerted effort.

Change may not be easy, but the health of our planet is more important than my plastic straw.

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IF YOU SEE A HOOKED SEA TURTLE CALL THE STRANDING RESPONSE TEAM 757-385-7575

r e v i R n o z a Am Join us on

your own

E R U T N E ADV MARCH 11-18, 2018

Cruise through the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, meet the indigenous people that live along the river, and see an incredible diversity of wildlife, including the Amazon’s pink river dolphins.

For more information or to reserve your space, please contact Karen Burns at 757-385-0272 or KPBurns@VirginiaAquarium.com.

Nature Play Place Grand Opening & Fairy Tea Party

June 16 | 10am –1pm Open daily 11–3pm starting June 17.

Free with admission. Weather permitting.

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VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Susie Walston

BY S H AW N R E I D

It’s been seven years since Susan, a.k.a. Susie, began volunteering at the Aquarium and she is just as passionate and enthusiastic today as ever. Drawn to our newest exhibits at the time, the Restless Planet gallery, she saw a means to indulge her interest and support the Aquarium. According to Susie, if you have a thirst for knowledge and an interest in conservation, the Virginia Aquarium is a good place to volunteer.

Susie’s favorite animals at the Aquarium are the Komodo dragons, and she described her volunteer experience with the Aquarium as “enjoyable and educational.” Among her favorite things are author Ken Follett; her golden retriever, Hank; and her guilty pleasure: chocolate. Susie has been married to her wonderful husband, Mac Walston, for 42 years, and thoroughly enjoys being outside in nature, making her a perfect fit for an Aquarium volunteer!

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

NOW PLAYING ALL SUMMER LONG

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FEATURE

FISH POPSICLES

& ICY CHICKEN CAKES B Y S H AY N A G A S K I N S

Here at the Aquarium, we give different types of ice enrichment to our larger mammals. Both the harbor seals and the North American river otters receive these treats on a varying schedule, as well as on special occasions. For example, we give them personally decorated treats for their birthdays or for certain holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.

We like to give these ice treats because it is a form of sensory enrichment. Enrichment is given to the animals to improve overall well-being by providing them with new and exciting items.

Making the ice treats seems like a simple process, but it is much more involved than just freezing water. The first thing you need when you’re making ice enrichment treats are molds. These can be either ice tray molds or candy molds. You can also get creative and use things such as cake pans, cups, or sand toys. When I am making ice enrichment I add water and colored dye to the mold and, depending on what I’m making, I will add different ingredients to the water. My favorite main ingredient is ground up chicken. I will also use other food ingredients

Giving our animals these ice treats provides them the opportunity to get extra special food that they don’t receive on a daily basis. Plus, they're fun to play with! including shrimp, scallops, krill, smelt, and crayfish. I prefer to use the ground up chicken, as it really holds the color. The chicken is also great for doing decorative details. It can be used in the same way that a baker uses icing for cake decorating, if ground to the right consistency.

Once I have all of the pieces frozen, it’s time to put them together.

The ice comes out of the molds and all of the different pieces can be attached to each other with water. Adding the water instantly adheres them together so it’s very easy to stack the different items together to make a cake of several layers with smaller decorations attached.

Then comes the fun part- sharing the treats with the animals! I hope you get a chance to see some of our ice creations sometime soon!

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VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | SPRING 2017

SUPPORT

SUPPORTING THE MISSION

BY TRIS H CA R R I ER

Your membership allows the Virginia Aquarium to keep its doors open and lights on. Thank you!

Your donations support our mission of conservation and related programs. We need you!

Our programs depend on donations from people like you who love and appreciate all that the Aquarium has to offer.

You can make a difference. Now is the time to become a philanthropist!

How? You can donate via our website. You can renew your membership at a Society Membership level. You can even support your Aquarium by shopping via AmazonSmile.com or registering your Kroger rewards card online. Just designate the Virginia Aquarium. Take the step today and see how fulfilling philanthropy can be!

What are some of the programs you can support?

Sensible Seafood Program Informing the public about sustainable seafood choices at restaurants and grocery stores.

Access Aquarium Fund Providing access to the Aquarium for qualified, underserved and special needs groups.

E-Cycling Recycling over 300 tons of electronics since 2009!

Stranding Response Program Responding to hundreds of stranded marine animals including whales and sea turtles. (See your donation in action at one of our public beach releases!)

To support these programs and more, call 757-385-0378 or visit VirginiaAquarium.com/SaveTheOcean.

SPRING 2017 | VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY

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THANK YOU TO OUR PHILANTHROPISTS! www.VirginiaAquarium.com/SaveTheOcean | Contributions from January - March 2017

*In future issues, gifts of $250 or greater will be listed. To see a complete list of contributors, visit VirginiaAquarium.com

SOCIETY MEMBERS Vasilisa Bingham N. Chalmers Jamie Fiske Jeremy Frink Edward Hewitt John Kirby Jeffrey Liddington Reese Lukei Michael Lyons Gregory Marshall Gary Mintz Jack D. Neal, Jr. Catherine Robinson Brenton Rodgers Bradford Sauer Ellen Seniuk Tom Tye Tracy Wright DONORS* Anonymous Elizabeth Anderson Dylan T. Baker Jason Baker Meredith Barber The Batten Fund for the Virginia Aquarium of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation Christine & Michael Bishop Roy & Diana Blakeburn David & Anne Burton Capital Group Companies Charitable Foundation Sherrie Carter Combined Federal Campaign of Greater SOCAL Combined Federal Campaign of South Hampton Roads 0897 Catherine & Warren Curd Sal & Maureen DaBiero David Davis Robert H. & Nancy DeFord, Jr. Jamie Ducharme Edward & Linda Dye Rebecca Fatula

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Thomas E. & Julie B. Fraim, Jr. Connie & F. Dudley Fulton GEICO Philanthropic Foundation Matthew Georges Ian P. Goodwin Rocco Grasso Sanci M. Hall Dorcas Helfant-Browning Katherine Hines Hoffman Beverage Company Rebecca Ing Gerald & Jean Jaffe Calvin & Constance Jones JP Morgan Chase Foundation Kendall King John Jay & Ola Hill Krueger Fund of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation Peter Leddy Cecile Lethem Ina Levy Roseann Liberatore Charles & Mary Pat Liggio Sheila Magula Gale Malla Gregory & Mary Beth Marshall Michael McCabe Shawn McCarren through YourCause Corporate Giving Program Cheryl McLeskey Julius S. Miller Kara Moore John & Betsy Munford Jack D. Neal, Jr. G. Peyton Neatrour New England Aquarium Allen Parker The Pool Guyz Mary Robson Amilcar Rodriguez Martha Kay Roland Safari Ltd. Mark Sauer Pamela Sheffield W. Baird Spicuzza through Norfolk Southern Corporate Trust Ainsley M. Springer B. M. Stanton Foundation Tidewater Home Funding, LLC TRUiST United Way South Hampton Roads

VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | SPRING 2017

Peeranut Visetsuth Walmart Corporate Giving (Stores 3216, 4220, 4711 & 6226) Eleanor & Henry Watts William & Laura Wenslaff Thomas & Maria Whitaker Ken & Nancy Wilson Mary Withers TRIBUTE GIFTS In Honor Of Lucca Foglia’s Birthday Melissa Foglia Justin Fuller Virginia Master Naturalist, Tidewater Chapter April Ozmore John Ozmore Luke Shubert’s Birthday Emily Shubert Ed & Jean Snyder Raymond & Linda Carlile Natalie Westnedge’s 1st Birthday Andrea Shearer Mary Taylor In Memory Of Sara M. Boyd Lynn Clements Fredric Fink William & Susan Hughes Bernadine M. Cassidy Carolyn Barnes Christine J. Drabick Mary Ann Lawson Fran & Henry Moriarty Hedwig T. Zbick Archer Green Betty G. Barco Marcie Shields Justine Shields Peter Meyers Betty G. Barco Pamela Parker Allan Parker Charles Seidel Karolyn S. Masters

Summer Camps Varying camps

June 26 – August 25 For more information visit VirginiaAquarium.com/ learn/summer-camps.

Dolphin Discoveries Boat Trips Departing from the Virginia Aquarium!

Visit VAQBoats.com for information

SPRING 2017 | 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 June 30, 2017

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.

We heard you, made improvements & are happy to

Introduce Our New

Membership Structure

Individual $75

Individual + 1 $100

Family $150

Family + 1 $185

Newly structured memberships will be available for purchase on July 1, 2017.

Current memberships (Otter, Crab, Hedgehog, etc.) will be accepted until expired.

For details visit VirginiaAquarium.com/join/membership.

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VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | SPRING 2017