Summer 2019 VAQ

SUMMER 2019

Virginia Aquarium Quarterly Member Magazine

FAIRIES THIS SUMMER VISIT & PLAY WITH FAIRIES ON WEDNESDAYS!

SUMMER 2019 | VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY

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MEMBERSHIP QUICK FACTS HOURS OF OPERATION

9 –6 AM

CONTACT INFORMATION (757) 385-0279

PM

VirginiaAquarium.com Membership@VirginiaAquarium.com

SUMMER 2019 HOURS

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.

SUMMER 2019, VOLUME 8, ISSUE 3 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.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Ashley Laginestra

$

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

Cardholder must be present during each visit. Philanthropic memberships are also available through our Giving Societies. Learn more at www.VirginiaAquarium.com

COPY EDITORS Matthew Klepeisz, Taylor Saunders ADVISOR Caryl Thompson GRAPHIC DESIGNER Leslie McMillan CONTRIBUTORS Alexis Rabon, Barb Beverage, Chris Witherspoon, Colin Walker, Hales Parcell, Jennifer Hill, Julie Levans, Leslie Clements, Lisa Grigolite, Mark Swingle, Mike Mizell, Sarah Rose, Shawn Reid, Trish Carrier

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.

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S R U O H NEW

9 1 0 2 r e m m Su May 24 - Sept 2

9am-6pm

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Upcoming Events Join us this summer!

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4 Fairy Fun Summer

Tomistoma Day

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Sharks!

Learn more about our resident sharks

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Meet Tansy the Fairy and see why fairies explore the Aquarium

Educating All Year Long | We don't just engage students, we engage their teachers too!

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

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A Well-Traveled Nesting Loggerhead | In June 2017, a loggerhead turtle laid several nests along the east coast.

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Kid's Page | Learn about sharks, what they eat & other fun facts!

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Volunteer Spotlight | We're so grateful to have Rachel Remington on our team!

On the cover Tansy the Fairy posing before Whimsy Wednesdays.

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Upcoming Events Adult Overnight August 24 | 8pm, Check in begins at 7:30pm $100 Members, $115 Non-members Experience the Aquarium after dark at this year’s Adult Overnight! Participate in exclusive experiences, play games, and enjoy a drink with friends. Make a new fish best friend and then snuggle up with your favorite animals when the lights go down. This event is perfect for singles, couples, friends, or small groups. Participants must be 21 or older.

Tickets available at VirginiaAquarium.com.

Mermaid Seafari June 19, July 17, August 14 | 9am $20 Members, $24 Non-members Dive into the depths of the wonder of Owls Creek during a 60-minute cruise with some magical visitors from under the sea: mermaids! Reservations required as space is limited for this enchanting excursion.

Tickets available at VirginiaAquarium.com.

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VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2019

Educating All Year Long Chris Witherspoon The Virginia Aquarium has been offering quality professional development opportunities to teachers for more than 30 years. Our goal is to offer unique experiences that enhance teachers’ learning and skills that will translate back to the classroom. Sometimes it’s the location that makes the experience unique, such as a visit to the Stranding Response Center to learn about conservation research. Sometimes it’s the activity, such as a trawling trip on our research vessel. It could be unusual biofacts, such as sea turtle skeletal parts that can be examined up-close, or the creative classroom activities teachers learn how to conduct at school.

Engaging teachers in new and unusual experiences makes learning memorable and creates excitement and enthusiasm for the topic being discussed. Students benefit because their teachers bring this excitement and enthusiasm to the classroom lesson, which fosters their students’ interest in science.

"Engaging teachers in new and unusual experiences makes learning memorable and creates excitement and enthusiasm for the topic being discussed."

Through the generous donation of Bob and Leslie Fort, the Virginia Aquarium is able to help teachers expand their understanding of science and nature and bring unique content and activities to the students in their classrooms. During the summer of 2018, this funding supported four professional development workshops for teachers in Virginia Beach Schools - Climate Science, Sea Turtle Science, Wetlands & Watersheds, and Marine Mammal Science.

Find information about our 2019 opportunities at www.VirginiaAquarium.com or contact our School & Youth Programs Specialist at 757-385-0275.

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A

Fairy Fun Summer

by Hales Parcells

We all know how magical the Virginia Aquarium can be… but who knew that it was THIS magical?

Every summer, the Aquarium’s nature fairies come out to play with our young guests. We were able to catch up with one of our fairies and ask her all about what she does here at the Aquarium.

Meet Tansy the Fairy!

Who are you, and how did you get started working at the Aquarium?

I'm Tansy the Fairy! I’m one of several fairies who live out on the Nature Trail here at the Virginia Aquarium. We usually hibernate in the winter, but in the summer we come out to play with the Aquarium’s younger guests during our Whimsy Wednesday programs!

Where do fairies live?

Fairies live in secret places: in hollow trees, mushroom forests, flower fields, and even in your own backyard.

What do fairies eat?

We eat whatever we find! I personally like acorn stew, wild berries, and pixie sticks.

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VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2019

ids who play k e th t a th is e p Our ho Garden with us r e w o fl d il W e in th ature scientists n y n ti e m co e b l wil yards! in their own back

Fairy Fact

Fairies like to coordinate their clothing to camouflage with their environments.

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VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2019

Why do we have fairies at the Aquarium?

The Aquarium’s fairies are passionate about spending time in nature, and the Aquarium’s Nature Trail has all sorts of wildlife, from the tiny periwinkle snail to the great blue heron! Fairies are brave, adventurous, and observant. We pay close attention to nature.

We watch baby birds come out of their nests, bees pollinate the flowers, and pinecones open and close with the rain. We want to spread our love for the outdoors with young guests and involve them in fun activities that help them engage with the world around them. It’s fun to play outside, but it’s even better to play outside with a fairy!

What do the fairies like to do outside?

We do lots of things—blow bubbles, dig in the dirt, collect bugs, play pretend—but my favorite thing to do is go on treasure hunts! We grab baskets and buckets and look for natural treasures, like acorns, colorful leaves, or pieces of bark with moss on them.

Who is invited to come to Whimsy Wednesdays?

Everyone is invited! Fairies are friends for both boys and girls. Most of our guests are between the ages of 2 and 10, but everyone is welcome.

Whimsy Wednesdays

Join us every Wednesday this summer (June 19 to August 28) from 10am-12pm in the Wildflower Garden (just outside the Coastal River exhibit in the Main Building, near the marsh loop.)

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Almost 9 million tons of plastic end up in our ocean, lakes, and rivers each year.

Join us in taking the first step to pollution-free waters by using reusable shopping bags.

Take the pledge at pledge.ourhands.org

HOOKED A SEA TURTLE? Report a hooked, distressed, or deceased sea turtle to the Stranding Response Team

Call (757) 385-7575

CHANGE

OUR ACTIONS More than 30% of our national landfill waste is compostable.

Composting has many benefits to the environment including removing organic materials like food waste, animal waste, and other plant based products from our waste stream.

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Programs & Events Guide JUNE–AUGUST 2019 | DETACH AND KEEP FOR QUICK REFERENCE!

SPECIAL EVENTS

Behind-the-Scenes

Special events are free with admission, unless otherwise noted.

It takes a lot to keep our Aquarium running, and our Behind-the-Scenes experiences give you a chance to see all of it! Sponsored by The Oceanfront Inn.

Animal Control Adopt an Animal June 15, July 20, August 17 | 11am–2pm Virginia Beach Animal Care and Adoption Center will be here the third Saturday of every month through August. Guests can meet a few of the many cats and dogs available for adoption!

Adoption fees may apply Main Building

Whimsy Wednesdays Wednesdays, June 19–August 28 10am-Noon It’s fun to play outside, but it’s even better to play outside with a fairy! Young guests are invited to explore our Nature Path and gardens in search of natural treasures!

Main Building | Wildflower Garden

Member Appreciation Night!

MEMBER EXCLUSIVE June 20, July 19, August 16 | 6-8pm Aquarium members are fin-tastic!

Dive into an exclusive evening just for Aquarium Members and enjoy the Aquarium after the daytime crowds have left! Join our education staff and volunteers with curiosity carts and meet some of our animal ambassadors!

Main Building

Special Needs Under the Sea

Above & Beyond*

World Tomistoma Day August 5 | 11am–3pm Let’s celebrate this little-known croc species with scaly activities and demonstrations by our very own reptile experts.

Main Building

Adult Overnight August 24 | Starts at 8pm Explore the Aquarium after dark for a night of dinner, drinks, & games. Then, snuggle up with your favorite fishes once the lights go down. $100 Members | $115 Non-members Main Building

E-Cycling Event September 28 | 9am-Noon Have any old electronics or household hazardous wastes sitting at home? Drop them off at our semiannual event. Visit our website for a list of approved items.

East Parking Lot

July 14 | 7:30–9am August 21 | 6–7:30pm We are proud to welcome families with children or adults with special needs for a chance to see all of our animals and exhibits in a calm, comfortable environment.

Free for Members $24.95 Non-member adults | $19.95 Nonmember children Main Building

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VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2019

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 in the main building. $15 Members | $20 Non-members Main Building

Sea Turtles* 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

*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.

SHARK WEEK! Shark week is coming this summer!

Celebrate the best way possible - by seeing sharks at the Aquarium.

Check our website for details.

VirginiaAquairum.com

Toddler Programs

S.T.E.A.M.

Boat Trips

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

Sponsored by Bob & Leslie Fort.

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.

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.

Pollinators

Dolphin Discoveries

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

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

June 5 | 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

For the Birds June 19 | 3:30–4:30pm

June-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, $22.95 Non-members Aquarium Boat Dock

Meet a few of the Aquarium’s bird ambassadors while learning fun facts about birds and engineering your own bird nest to protect an egg.

Main Building | Classroom

What’s in that Rock?

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

Main Building | Classroom

Small World Puppet Shows June 18, July 16, August 20 | 10am & 11am On the third Tuesday of every month, our Toddler Tuesday features a live-action puppet show to accompany story time.

Main Building | Classroom

Playtime with Miss Jenny

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

Main Building | Wildflower Garden Deck

July 17 | 3:30–4:30pm Come meet some of our six-legged friends and discover the world through their insect eyes while doing hands-onactivities.

Main Building | Classroom

Plants by design August 14 | 3:30–4:30pm Plants are very different from animals.

Through hands on experiments and activities, come learn how plants breathe, drink water, and create their own energy.

Main Building | Classroom

What Makes Me Unique August 28 | 3:30–4:30pm Join us as we learn about DNA and genetics with hands-on-activities and experiments while helping us solve a mystery using fingerprints.

Main Building | Classroom

Ocean Collections June 19–August 28 | 1pm (Wednesdays) This 75 minute cruise allows participants to collect and observe a variety of local fish and invertebrates up close and personal. $20 Members, $22.95 Non-members Aquarium Boat Dock

Mermaid Seafari June 19, July 17, August 14 | 9am Dive into the depths of the wonder of Owls Creek during a 60-minute cruise with some magical visitors from under the sea: mermaids! Reservations required as space is limited for this enchanting excursion. $20 Members, $24 Non-members Aquarium Boat Dock

Craft Brews Cruise

Sponsored by O'Connor Brewing Co., Bold Mariner, & Hoffman Beverage June 14, July 19, August 16 | 7pm Enjoy a sunset over the water as you indulge in some of the area's best craft beers. During these two hour trips, you will be treated to special offerings from our Sensible Seafood program partners. $33 Members, $35 Non-members Aquarium Boat Dock

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

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Case Study: A Well-Traveled Nesting Loggerhead Encountered in Virginia

By Sarah Rose On June 17, 2017, the Research & Conservation section’s Sea Turtle Nesting Team responded to a loggerhead sea turtle nest on Virginia Beach’s North End beach. The nest was documented, secured, and a single egg shell was collected to submit for analysis by the University of Georgia’s (UGA) Northern Recovery Unit Loggerhead DNA Project.

UGA’s DNA project is a multi-state program that genetically identifies nesting sea turtles in the southeastern United States. Virginia falls within the northernmost extent of this nesting area, which collectively represents one of the largest loggerhead rookeries (colony of breeding animals) in the world.

Sea turtles tend to return to nest at or near their natal beaches (the location where they hatched). They bury their nests of approximately 110 ping pong ball-sized eggs in the sand, laying 3-5 nests per season, and returning to nest every 2-4 years.

Genetics results recently revealed that our 2017 nest was laid by a neophyte (a first-year nesting female), but Virginia could not stake a claim to her first nest. This intrepid female laid her first nest in May on Cape Island, South Carolina, and then traveled over 400 miles in 17 days to nest in Virginia Beach. Even more puzzling, this turtle eventually returned to South Carolina, nesting on Bulls Island in July, approximately 20 miles from the May Cape Island nest.

400 miles in 17 days!

While it has been suggested that neophyte nesters tend to exhibit weak fidelity to their hatching beach, the extreme distances traveled here are fairly remarkable.

Only time will tell if this female will return to lay subsequent nests in Virginia, South Carolina, or another state; however, these results demonstrate the importance of our participation in multi-state efforts to better understand the life histories of sea turtles we encounter.

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KIDS PAGE

S K R A H S MATCH THE SHARK TO ITS MEAL.

Great White shark

Megamouth shark

Seals

Crustaceans

Schools of fish Thresher shark

Nurse shark

Jellies

Answers: Megamouth shark-Jellies | Thresher shark-Schools of fish | Nurse shark-Crustaceans

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Family Activity

Making a shark print t-shirt What You’ll Need

Fine grit sandpaper

Parchment Paper

Solid colored t-shirt

Cardboard

Crayons

Paper towels

R JUST FO S H G U A L

Iron Dryer

Directions On fine grit sandpaper, draw and color a picture of a shark using crayons. When drawing, make sure the shark is small enough to fit on the t-shirt. Keep in mind the thicker the layer of crayon on the sandpaper the more brilliant the print will transfer to the t-shirt.

Also remember, the drawn image will be reversed on the t-shirt.

Why don't sharks eat fast food?

Because they can't catch it!

After coloring the shark, lay the t-shirt flat on a hard surface. Place a piece of cardboard inside the t-shirt to keep the print from bleeding through to the back of the t-shirt. Position the sandpaper, crayon side down, on the t-shirt. Place a piece of parchment paper on top of the sandpaper to protect the iron. With the iron pre-heated to the cotton setting, iron the sandpaper for 30 seconds. Gently check to see if you have a good print of the melted wax from the crayon on the t-shirt. If needed, iron the sandpaper a bit more to transfer more of the crayon to the t-shirt.

Remove the sandpaper from the t-shirt, iron a paper towel over the print to remove excess crayon wax. Wash separately, for the first time, in a dryer for 20 minutes to set the color.

Sharks have cartilag e instead of bones.

Sharks have rows of teeth to replace lost or broken teeth

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ANIMAL FEATURE

World Tomistoma Day

By Colin Walker

Monday, August 5 marks the fourth annual World Tomistoma Day celebration, the world’s first international day dedicated to a crocodilian species! The Virginia Aquarium will join zoos and aquariums around the world in celebrating this little-known croc species, raising awareness and vital funds for their conservation by holding Tomistoma talks with their keepers, interactive education stations, and feeding and training demonstrations.

World Tomistoma Day is an education and conservation initiative of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Species Survival Commission: Tomistoma Task Force. The date commemorates the birth date of the late Ralf Sommerlad, a founding member and former chairman of the Tomistoma Task Force. Ralf was one of the world’s most passionate and energetic supporters of Tomistoma conservation. Ralf and Sommer, the Aquarium’s Tomistoma pair, were named after him.

Tomistoma are currently listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN, with fewer than 10,000 individuals spread across a fragmented range throughout Sumatra, Borneo, and peninsular Malaysia. With some male body lengths in excess of 17 feet, they are one of the largest crocodiles, yet one of the least well known. Their largest threats are human intrusion and loss of viable wetland forest habitat due to agriculture, primarily oil palm trees. Ralf and Sommer are two of only 46 Tomistoma living in AZA-accredited institutions throughout North America, and were the first legally imported members of their species from a home range country since the 1973 passing of the Endangered Species Act. We are proud to participate in World Tomistoma Day and help bring awareness to one of the most interesting species in our care. Join us on August 5 for special activities and events focused on crocodilians and our Tomistoma!

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FEATURE

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Big toothy grins, fierce looking dorsal fins, and the ability to lounge all day are just some descriptors for our resident sharks. These apex predators, are often vilified and misunderstood but serve a great purpose in keeping our food web balanced.

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By Julie Levans

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Here at the Virginia Aquarium, we are lucky enough to house five species of sharks. Our sharks range in size and shape, but make no mistake- they’re all sharks.

The chained dogfish are the smallest species we house, reaching just under two feet in length full-grown. Our sand tiger sharks are our largest species, with each one tipping the scales around 220 pounds and 8.5 ft in length.

Each of our sharks are easily identifiable to our aquarists which allows us to provide each one with individualized care. The sharks are fed diets specialized for them that can include mackerel, salmon, herring, lobster, and squid; all of course are restaurant quality.

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Most of our sharks are trained to come to a specific spot for food or they follow a target into an area to be fed.

This helps us better evaluate their health when it comes to their annual veterinary assessments. To help minimize stress on the sharks and the people for that matter

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Why spots and not stripes?

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(“wrestling a shark is not all it’s cracked up to be”), our nurse sharks voluntarily swim into a shallow area located just off the main exhibit. In here, we are able to draw blood, take measurements, perform ultrasounds, and do a visual exam.

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Juvenile zebra sharks have zebra-like stripes. As the shark ages, the stripes become spots!

Some of the Aquarium’s sharks are integral parts of Species Survival Plan® programs. The zoo and aquarium community is committed to conservation of sharks worldwide by developing these plans to learn a little more about these magnificent creatures. With over 400 species of sharks worldwide, most are threatened and endangered due to overfishing, climate change, and shark finning. It is imperative that we provide opportunities to the greater public to make them as passionate as we are about sharks.

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Nurse shark receiving food after following a target.

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Rachel Remington Fish Volunteer

Rachel Remington is part of the amazing Fishes volunteer team. As a licensed veterinary technician Rachel has made her passion for animals a chief part of her life.

“Growing up I always wanted to work with animals,” she says, which is what carried her through the Aquarium’s doors to volunteer. Her responsibilities include assisting with cleaning, food prep, and feeding for several different exhibits. “I love getting to know the different personalities of the animals I work with. They show their true colors during feeding time!” Her upbeat attitude, eagerness to help and love for sea turtles has led her to expand her volunteer duties. She can be found nest sitting with Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge or searching the beaches for any signs of sea turtle crawls and nests with our Stranding Response Program.

Volunteering with the Aquarium is an amazing experience. One that is self-fulfilling and you make a lot of new friends along the way.

S L A M I N A NEW

New opossum animal ambassador Gizmo makes an appearance at special programming.

New seahorses by the jellies New moray eel by the sharks

Be sure to visit soon to see our new residents!

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HONOR ROLL OF DONORS Gifts of $100 or more made January 1 – March 31, 2019 Gifts can be made at www.VirginiaAquarium.com/SaveTheOcean The Honor Roll of Donors recognizes gifts to the Aquarium Fund, event sponsorships and other charitable support. 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 operating our nationally-recognized stranding response program. For more information, please contact the Development Office at 757-385-0260.

CONSERVATION SOCIETY MEMBERS Robin Bowden Becky & Hap Chalmers Jean & Jerry Jaffe Melinda & Reese Lukei Mary Beth & Greg Marshall Alley & Jeff Moore DONORS Individuals Anonymous Rendy Adams Barbara Ciara Sal DaBiero Julie & Tommy Fraim Amma Guerrier Via JP Morgan Chase Foundation Linda & William Kamarek Via United Way of South Hampton Roads Tom McNicholas Elizabeth Miklos Alley & Jeff Moore J. Howard Rodman Via The Benevity Community Impact Fund Andy Vakos Eleanor & Henry Watts Corporate Hoffman Beverage Company Kroger O’Connor Brewing Toyota Dealer Match Program Walmart Store #1688 Wetland Studies and Solutions, Inc. Foundations Batten Fund of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation John Jay & Ola Hill Krueger Fund of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation 22

Network for Good Norfolk Southern Foundation ODU Institute for Learning in Retirement Pledgeling Foundation Ed & Jean Snyder Fund of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation United Way of South Hampton Roads Youth Foundation Service Club of Virginia Beach TRIBUTE GIFTS In Honor of Jessica and Z. Jones Maggie Mathwig Tyler Salmons Jean St. Clair Russell Turner Anonymous Rendy Adams Bay Mechanical Joan Brock Joani Brough Trish & DJ Carrier Terrie O. Carroll Lynn Clements Nancy A. Creech The Curtis Group Sal DaBiero Marguerite Dickerson Donna J. Ellis John H. Fain Thomas E. Fraim, Jr. GEICO Geoenvironmental Resources Chris Graves Lisa Grigolite Craig Grube Hampton Roads Community Foundation Jimmy Harris Bill Hearst Dorcas Helfant-Browning

VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2019

Katherine Hines Melissa Hlinovsky Clarence A. Holland Carla Jones Michelle Joyner Esi W. Langston Gerald J. McDonald Connie McKenzie McLeskey Family Foundation Scott D. Miller Jennifer Rawlings Shawn Reid Catherine Schaum Bert Schmidt Cynthia W. Spanoulis Kay Stine April Strickland Mark Swingle Judy Urwin Marguerite K. Vail Andrew Vakos Michael T. Wagner Eleanor & Henry Watts Christina Westnedge Sandra Wood In Memory Of Robert M. Clark Betty Barco Courtney Beth Dickerson Marguerite Dickerson Noel F. Dudley Margaret Boselli Anne D. Groth Michael McCabe Ruth Hauck Janet Hauck Doug Loucka James Haltigan Laura Rooney Matthew Russo II Ann Stern Ed B. Snyder Kiwanis Club of Norfolk, Inc.

co i x e M , r u S a i Baja Californ VIRGINIA AQUARIUM BAJA WHALES EXPEDITION

February 7–15, 2020 Each year, gray whales travel thousands of miles from the Arctic Ocean to the warm waters of Baja California’s lagoons. Visit the peninsula’s three whale sanctuaries for arm’s-length encounters with these giant mammals. Plus, sample local foods and explore the arid peninsula of Baja California, home to over 600 endemic plants including the unique boojum tree, towering cardon cactus, and the contorted elephant tree.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO RESERVE YOUR SPACE:

Email Karen Burns at kpburns@VirginiaAquarium.com

Don't miss our changing exhibit!

OPEN NOW! Exhibit closes September 2 Created by

Now Play i n g

In partnership with

on one of the largest screens in Virginia!

Virginia Aquarium's Giant Screen Theater

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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

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 June 30, 2019

Save

the

Date Night at the Aquarium October 5, 2019 | 8pm Exclusive night time fun with a local’s only feel at the Virginia Aquarium. Meet animals, see mermaids & enjoy an orange crush!

Music by The Deloreans.

This year's event will support our Stranding Response Program. Proceeds will be used toward new sea turtle VIRGINIA AQUARIUM | SUMMER 2019 Animal Conservation Center.

24 rehabilitation systems inQUARTERLY the all-new Darden Marine