Winter 2019 VAQ

WINTER 2019

Virginia Aquarium Quarterly Member Magazine

CATS & DOGS

NEW CHANGING EXHIBIT MEMBER OPENING JANUARY 19, 2019

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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

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.

WINTER 2019, VOLUME 8, ISSUE 1 VAQ is published four times a year by the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation located at 717 General Booth

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

Blvd., Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451.

EDITORS Matthew Klepeisz, Taylor Saunders

$

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/join.

ADVISOR Caryl Thompson CREATIVE DIRECTOR Ashley Laginestra CONTRIBUTORS Alexis Rabon, Ashton Worthington,

!

E E R F e r a s r e b m e M

Barb Beverage, Cecelia Campbell, Cynthia Whitbred-Spanoulis, Darcy Garrenton, Hales Parcell, Jennifer Hill, Judy Urwin, Julie Levans, Karen Burns, Karolyn Walker, Leslie Clements, Lisa Grigolite, Mark Swingle, Mike Mizell, Trish Carrier, Vicki Krauter

We care about conservation VAQ is printed with soy-based inks on

December 21, 22 & 23 Members Free | 4pm $7.95 for non-members

Member reservations are required by calling 757-385-3474 option 3.

post-consumer recycled paper.

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

For non-member tickets, visit VirginiaAquarium.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

New Exhibits Coming soon

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5

Poison Dart Frogs

Cats & Dogs

Opens to members Jan. 19

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Extending Our Reach

19

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Upcoming Events | Get your tickets now!

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

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Gift Guide | The perfect gift for your special someone could be here at the Aquarium!

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Kids Page | Learn about migration and local animals with your little one.

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Meet the Director | Q & A with our Executive Director, Cynthia!

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You Make a Difference | We count on donations to fund our mission based programs!

On the cover Cats & Dogs is our new changing exhibit that will open to members Jan. 19 and run through Sept. 2, 2019.

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Upcoming Events Valentine's Day Dinner February 14, 2019 | 7–11pm $199 per person

Make your reservation early for one of the most memorable dining experiences in Hampton Roads.

But be sure to buy your table in advance. Doors open at 6:30pm.

Your evening will begin with valet parking, a professional photograph, passed hors d'oeuvres, and a complimentary cocktail before you are escorted to your selected dining location, ensconced in aquatic life. Enjoy the ambiance of the aquariums, be serenaded by a roaming musician, and conclude your night with a champagne toast and custom chocolates for the ride home. Tickets on sale now at VirginiaAquarium.com.

Donuts with Santa December 9 & 16 | 8:30–10am $12 children | $8 adults Ho, Ho, Ho! Donuts with Santa is back at the Virginia Aquarium! This popular family-friendly holiday event is a favorite for all. We are excited to share that we are hosting two different dates.

Enjoy holiday themed donuts provided by Bliss Bakery, snap a photo, and visit with our very jolly special guest before he heads back to the North Pole! Holiday themed activity stations and story times will be available. Registration required by calling 757-385-3474 option 3.

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FEATURE

Oh! The Places They Will Go!

By Julie Levans You will notice several new exhibits shaping up over the next year for our critters that used to be in the Marsh Pavilion. We will be building several new habitats in the Bay & Ocean Pavilion. These habitats will include a new exhibit for our great horned owl, Owlex, located on the Marsh Loop, and three new aquariums for our seahorses, fiddler crabs, and juvenile marsh fishes. Stop by the Upland River Room to say “Hello!” to Russell the Crow. A few of our snakes will also find themselves in a cozy new home located across from the Coastal River aquarium. If you take a close look at the décor in the Chesapeake Bay aquarium, you will be able to spot our blennies.

As for our otters, Sheldon, Tippy, and Homer, they have a new holding habitat where they will reside until their exhibit is finished.

A new animal holding room has been built in the Conservation Station to house our animal ambassadors. Our staff is working diligently on creating new programs that feature many of our animal ambassadors such as Rueben the corn snake, Mr. Peanut Butter the tiger salamander, and Simon the mud turtle. You will be able to meet these critters as well as several others throughout the day in the Bay & Ocean Pavilion.

Rueben the corn snake

Mr. Peanut Butter the tiger salamander

All three animals here are animal ambassadors that you can meet in the Bay & Ocean Pavilion!

Simon the mud turtle WINTER 2019 | VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY

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New Changing Exhibit All Day Member Exclusive Preview

January 19, 2019

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VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | WINTER 2019

Visit the Aquarium to learn even more about your favorite furry friends.

F

or thousands of years, people have lived with

of animals. You can compare your speed,

cats and dogs, but what do we actually know about

your agility, and your capacity to jump, all

these incredible animals? What hidden super

against the animals you know and love. Jump

powers do they have? The Aquarium’s newest

right in with the agility training, including a

changing exhibit, Cats & Dogs, will help you learn

chance to try your hand at the recognizable

even more about your favorite furry friends.

weave poles or take a chance and see how high you can jump in the tunnel. You will

Cats & Dogs offers a sensory and interactive journey

also be able to compare the differences

by allowing you to put yourself in an animal’s place.

between canine and feline body shapes

You will learn about their behavior and actions

between breeds, like the physical differences

through the fun of games and simulations!

between cats’ coats!

In Their Skin

In Their Heads

The first space is In Their Skin, an active area where

The next opportunity is In Their Heads, a

you can compare your own physical skills to those

chance to delve into the minds of our pets.

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You will understand how they communicate, learn about their emotions, and decrypt their behavior.

Created to put you on the same level as the animals, you are invited to look, listen, and feel like a dog or cat thanks to immersive exhibits and experiments. You will understand how they communicate, learn about their emotions, and decrypt their behavior.

In Our Society The final space is In Our Society, a chance to see the nature of our relationship with these animals over time. Dogs and cats fill our homes, our streets, and even our culture. From toys to popular films, cats and dogs appear in almost every facet of our lives. They help us with everything from companionship to key tasks. It is these key tasks that the Aquarium is most excited for you to learn about.

During the run of this exhibit, we will conduct special programs and events that will highlight information about some of the working animals and the ways that they help make our lives easier. This includes information on animal assisted therapy and the working animals who help keep us safe.

Our biggest hope is that you will love these animals so much that you might take one home! We will host special events with our friends from the Virginia Beach Animal Care and Adoption Center to introduce you to some of the animals available for adoption from our area. You may even be able to take one of them home- a perfect reminder of your fun, interesting, and exciting visit to the Aquarium!

The Virginia Beach Animal Care and Adoption Center will have adoptable pets visiting every 3rd

Saturday of the month from 11am-2pm for the duration of this exhibit.

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Created by

In partnership with

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CHANGE OUR ACTIONS

THE CHALLENGE: Avoid using unnecessary single-use plastic straws.

WHY: Disposable plastic is only in your hands for a moment, but it piles up forever in our oceans, rivers, and lakes – and hurts your favorite aquatic animals.

Whales & Wildlife BOOK YOUR BOAT TRIP NOW!

VAQboats.com | Members receive $2 off | December - March 10

VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | WINTER 2019

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Programs & Events Guide DECEMBER–FEBRUARY 2019 | DETACH AND KEEP FOR QUICK REFERENCE!

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

Scuba Santa Saturdays & Sundays through December 23 | 10:30am See Santa as he dives with our animals.

Bay & Ocean Pavilion | Red Sea

Sundays with Santa Every Sunday through December 23 Noon–3pm Join Santa and his elves for fun festivities and activities.

Bay & Ocean Pavilion | Promenade Room

Donuts with Santa MEMBER EXCLUSIVE December 9 & 16 | 8:30–10am Enjoy donuts and snap a picture with Santa! Reservations required. Please call 757-385-3474 option 3. $12 Children | $8 Adults | Under 1 is free Bay & Ocean Pavilion | Promenade Room

Countdown to 2019 December 31, 2018 | 10:30am–Noon Children and adults get ready for the New Year! Join us for contests, games, activities!!

Bay & Ocean Pavilion | Promenade Room

Cats & Dogs

Extreme Experiments

MEMBERS ONLY EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW

February 9 & 10 | 11am-3pm Be prepared for whacky, messy, and scientifically accurate fun! Guests of all ages are welcome to participate in a variety of scientific experiments that they can recreate for their friends and family at home!

Bay & Ocean Pavilion

January 19, 2019 I 9am–5pm Join us for our member exclusive preview of our new changing exhibit before it opens to the public.

Bay & Ocean Pavilion I Changing Exhibit

Animal Control Adopt an Animal 3rd Saturday of every month January-August 2019 | 11am–2pm Virginia Beach Animal Care and Adoption Center will be here the third Saturday of every month beginning January 19. Guests can meet a few of the many cats and dogs available for adoption!

Adoption fees may apply Bay & Ocean Pavilion

E-Cycling January 19 I 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

April 15 & 22, 2019 | 4:30-6pm Transform into a mermaid princess at our under the sea salon. Receive the full beauty treatment; hair makeup and nails. Participants will enjoy a special encounter with the mermaids in the Red Sea Aquarium! Reservations Required.

Tickets available now online or by calling 757-385-3474 option 3. $100 Children | $22.95 Member Adult $32.95 Non-member Adult Bay & Ocean Pavilion | Promenade Room

Volunteer Open House January 24 I 4–5:30pm Learn how to become a volunteer and all the exciting opportunities the Aquarium offers. Meet department representatives and other volunteers who will be able to answer your questions. You may even get to meet an animal or two!

Bay & Ocean Pavilion I Classroom

Career Day at the Aquarium January 26 | 11am-3pm Meet with scientists and Aquarium professionals to learn about their job duties, what skills and training they need, and how you can get started in their field.

Bay & Ocean Pavilion

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Mermaid Balee’s Sells out fast!

Bubbly Boutique

VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | WINTER 2019

February is Member Appreciation Month Membership is the heart of the Virginia Aquarium and we cannot accomplish our mission of education and conservation without the support of our members. To say thank you for your support, we hope you will join us and enjoy special offers throughout the whole month of February.

Toddler Programs

S.T.E.A.M.

Boat Trips

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

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

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.

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

Bay & Ocean Pavilion | 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.

Bay & Ocean Pavilion | Changing Exhibit Hallway

Creatures of the Deep December 5 | 3:30–4:30pm Come learn how water pressure affects animals living at the bottom of the ocean through hands on experiments and create an angler fish with a light up lure.

Bay & Ocean Pavilion | Classroom

Ewww! Germs!

December 19 | 3:30–4:30pm Germs and bacteria are incredibly small.

Come discover the ways our bodies protect us from germs and things we can do to help our bodies stay healthy.

Bay & Ocean Pavilion | Classroom

Whales & Wildlife Through March | Check website for dates, times, and special trips Join us for a 2–2.5 hour encounter to search for some of the ocean’s most magnificent creatures that visit Virginia’s coastal winter waters: whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds! $26 Members | $29.95 Non-members Aquarium Boat Dock

The Curious Scientist January 2 | 3:30–4:30pm Join us for hands on experiments while creating hypotheses and learning about the scientific method.

Bay & Ocean Pavilion | Classroom

It’s Cold

Puppet Shows December 18, January 15, February 19 10am & 11am On the third Tuesday of every month, our Toddler Tuesday features a live-action puppet show to accompany story time.

Bay & Ocean Pavilion | Promenade

Playtime with Miss Jenny

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

Bay & Ocean Pavilion | Changing Exhibit

January 16 | 3:30–4:30pm Learn what happens to objects when the temperature drops below freezing and how animals have adapted to staying warm in the cold.

Bay & Ocean Pavilion | Classroom

Cruise with Claus

Snakes!

February 6 | 3:30–4:30pm Join us for hands on activities about reptiles while meeting some of the Aquarium’s snake animal ambassadors.

Bay & Ocean Pavilion | Classroom

Potential Energy February 20 | 3:30–4:30pm Come discover the importance of gravity and how it works while creating a marble roller coaster.

Bay & Ocean Pavilion | Classroom

December 24 | 2pm Seeing whales at the top of your holiday list? Set sail aboard the Atlantic Explorer for a 2-2.5 hour special boat trip with Captain Santa at the helm. Advanced ticket sales encouraged. Call (757) 385-0300 for reservations or book online. $26 members, $29.95 non-members Aquarium Boat Dock

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

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Your holiday

Gift Guide Sea turtle plush

Book

$14.99

$18.99

Mug $11.99

Tea Infuser $10.99

Recycled cotton socks $19.99

Ray $8.99

OceanOpoly $25.99

Shark plush $14.99

Wine bottle holder $39.99

Octopus plush

(wine not included)

$7.99

WE

MEMBERS

50% OFF

Octopus slate art $39.99

ONE ITEM IN THE VIRGINIA AQUARIUM STORES Limit one discount per coupon. Coupon must be presented at time of purchase. Cannot be combined with any other discounts.

Expires February 28, 2019.

MIGRATION Overwinter: When a group of animals remain in the same location instead of migrating during the winter.

Migration: When a group of animals move from one location to another usually in search of warmer weather, nesting grounds, or food.

Family Activity How do birds migrate for such long distances without getting tired?

During the winter with less food available and colder temperatures, many animals including some birds migrate to warmer locations where food is more abundant. Some birds migrate thousands of miles. Let’s investigate how a bird has enough energy to migrate such long distances.

What You'll Need Scissors Ruler

Construction Paper Electric Fan

Crayons or Markers

Instructions: Measure and cut a 2”x11” strip of paper. Draw seven birds evenly spaced along the length of the paper. Turn on the electric fan. Hold the strip of paper six inches from the face of the fan pretending the birds you drew on the paper are flying into the wind. Now, fold the piece of paper in half. There should be three birds on each half creating a “V” with one bird flying in front of the rest. Hold the “V” shaped formation of birds in front of the fan by placing one finger in the crux of the “V”. Was it easier to help the birds fly when the paper was long flat or in a “V” formation?

What Happened?

DID YOU KNOW? Leatherback sea turtles migrate up to 10,000 miles!

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VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | WINTER 2019

When birds migrate, they fly in “V” formation to reduce wind resistance. It was harder to hold the strip of paper flat because the wind from the fan was blowing on all of the birds and all the birds had to do the same amount of work.

It was easier to hold the strip of paper in a “V” formation because the wind from the fan was mostly blowing on the lead bird with the lead bird doing most of the work. Birds migrate in a “V” formation to allow the lead bird to do most of the work while birds in the back of the “V” get a break from the wind resistance. When the lead bird gets tired, they are able to switch places with another bird that is less tired allowing the birds to travel farther without needing to stop and rest.

Migrating Birds Birds that migrate to Virginia from northern habitats: Hooded Merganser, Canada Goose, Bufflehead Birds that overwinter in Virginia: Bald Eagle, Cardinal, Great Blue Heron Birds that migrate from Virginia to more southern locations: Pelicans, Laughing Gulls, Osprey

Going the Distance

Monarch butterflies migrate up to 2,500 miles! Can you help this monarch reach warmer weather?

Start

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ANIMAL FEATURE

Poison Dart Frogs

Golden poison dart frog tadpole

By Darcy Garrenton We currently house five different species of poison dart frogs at the Virginia Aquarium, but only two of these species have a perilous outlook. From the endangered Golden poison dart frog to the near threatened black-legged poison dart frog, we are aiding in breeding these species to educate and promote conservation, and to establish an assurance colony for other AZA facilities.

Currently, we have had over 100 Golden poison dart frogs laid, hatched, and developed into frogs at our institution. Through this, we have monitored the diet and weight of the adult frogs, cared for every developing egg individually, and reared tadpoles into healthy frogs. The process was lengthy. Once a clutch of eggs is laid, it takes approximately 61 days to develop hind limbs, 74 days to develop front limbs, and a grand total of 82 days to go from egg to fly-eating frog.

These two species we are breeding are two of the ‘true poison dart frogs’. One swipe of a dart down their back would give enough toxins to kill over 10 adult humans. As their caregivers, this information gives us no cause for concern. Poison dart frogs eat bugs, and in the wild these bugs eat plants that contain alkaloids. Without the alkaloids in the bugs, the frogs cannot produce their batrachotoxin and are therefore not considered toxic in managed care.

Golden poison dart frog Actual size

Whether it’s from chytrid fungus, pollutants, or loss of habitat, frogs have many obstacles in their path toward thriving. They’re quite sensitive to their environment, and the absorptive properties of their skin require our handling, water changes, and exhibit cleanings to be very methodical.

We are fortunate to have five incredible dart frog species here – getting to rear their young as they go through dramatic lifecycle changes every day is an awe-inspiring journey.

Developing egg

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Green and black dart frog

FEATURE

Extending Our Reach at

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i Vi rg i n a B e a c h

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Conservation is at the core of the Virginia Aquarium’s mission.

Everyone is probably familiar with our most prominent local activities involving marine mammals and sea turtles.

But, did you know that we partner with other environmental organizations and professionals to advance conservation of a variety of wildlife both locally and across the globe?

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By Mark Swingle

Here are some examples of the Aquarium’s conservation “reach.”

Osprey Watch – We partner with The Center for Conservation Biology to monitor osprey breeding in Virginia Beach as part of a global program to understand how climate change, depletion of fish stocks and contaminants are affecting aquatic ecosystems.

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Vaquita Rescue – We are supporting heroic efforts in Mexico’s Gulf of California to save the vaquita porpoise, the most endangered marine mammal in the world.

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Kemp’s ridley Recovery – Kemp’s ridley sea turtles were nearly extinct when their primary nesting site was discovered in Mexico in the 1960s. Working with our partner the Gladys Porter Zoo, we support the remarkable recovery efforts for this species.

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Turtle Survival Alliance – Nearly 1/3 of the world’s freshwater turtle and tortoise species may be extinct in the next 20 years due to poaching. We support Turtle Survival Alliance and their global efforts to rescue species such as the radiated tortoise.

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Tomistoma crocodile – One of the world’s largest crocodilians, we know very little about its distribution and ecology. The Aquarium works with the international scientific community and supports conservation efforts for the species in Borneo.

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Komodo dragon – The largest lizard in the world, Komodos are native to only a few islands in Indonesia. Human activities and loss of prey have affected their distribution. We support their conservation through participation in the AZA Species Survival Plan.

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Hawk Conservancy Trust – Based in England, the Trust’s mission is conservation of birds of prey.

Aquarium support goes to projects such as the International Vulture Programme which focuses on the most threatened birds in the world from southern Africa and Asia.

Project SECORE – The Aquarium is a silver partner with this international organization for the restoration and protection of coral reefs. We participate with other SECORE partners to restore coral reefs in Curacao.

As we embarked on our mission more than 30 years ago, the Aquarium could only dream of making an impact beyond our walls. Today, with your ongoing support, we look forward to continuing to “extend our reach” for conservation.

Coral reefs | Curacao

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Photo credit: Paul Selvaggio

MEET THE DIRECTOR

Q&A

with the Director

Cynthia Whitbred-Spanoulis Why the Virginia Aquarium?

As trite as it sounds, I have always had a passion for animals, stemming back to when I was a young child.

Some of my earliest memories are of my rescuing birds that crashed into my parents’ glass windows or spending time on our neighbor’s farm with the pigs and cows. It was during these formative years that I realized my goal in life would be to help animals, whether professionally or personally.

Compounded with a passion for animals was a dedication to public service, instilled in me by my parents. My mother was a City Council member for 38 years and always told me that the way to truly make a difference was through public service. This guiding light even led me to my first job as a Congressional aide, and while it was an exciting experience, I realized the easiest way to help my friends and neighbors was to be involved at the local government level.

How long have you worked for the Virginia Aquarium?

I began my career with the City of Virginia Beach 23 years ago, culminating in the combination of my two passions. Six years ago, I accepted the position as the Deputy Director for the City of Virginia Beach’s Department of Aquarium and Museums. Teaching others to love and respect our marine environment and being able to fully live the Aquarium’s mission has turned into the dream vocation for me. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else or being happier anywhere else.

What are some of your successes?

Where passion meets talent is the intersection of success, and over the past six years at the Virginia Aquarium, we have experienced record breaking revenue

Cynthia, Executive Director, with a Eastern hognose snake.

growth. From exploring the sustainable revenue sources through my first year, which allows us to continue and grow our operations and conservation efforts, to leading, developing, and ultimately creating the Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium, we have undergone exciting, positive changes. Recently, we have focused on partnering and growing our boat programs, allowing tens of thousands of guests to experience dolphins, whales, seals, sea birds, and other wildlife first-hand on expertly-guided and interpreted tours.

What’s next?

We are now at the point where our revenues have created a new high water mark, exceeding expectations and allowing us to do so many wonderful things for our facility and for the conservation of our marine environment. We directly impact the lives of over 700,000 people annually, and with these increases in our revenues, we can provide even more enriching experiences and offerings aimed at inspiring them to care about the environment. I look forward to devoting my time to learning and growing personally and professionally, and to putting my passions to work.

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Make a Difference Today Your support is vital to the Virginia Aquarium’s mission-based programs. By making a gift to the Aquarium Fund, you can make a difference.

$25

You can provide a day of medical supplies used t o care for stranded marine animals.

$50

You can provide a day of rehabilitative care for a rescued sea turtle.

$100

You can provide admission assistance to a class of 12 underserved students.

Visit www.VirginiaAquarium.com/SaveTheOcean to support your Aquarium.

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation, Inc. is a 501 (c) 3 tax-exempt organization. Your contribution is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. 5% of all Aquarium Fund donations will be placed in an endowment fund, ensuring the success of the Aquarium for future generations.

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VIRGINIA AQUARIUM QUARTERLY | WINTER 2019

Give a tribute gift this season.

Give a gift in honor of a special person that helps conserve the marine environment.

Sea of Trees

Through January 4

Look for trees made from upcycled, recycled, and reused items this holiday season. These eco-friendly trees raise awareness of our impact on the environment and ways we can lessen that impact.

MEET

SANTA

SATURDAYS THROUGH DEC 22 11am | Scuba Santa

We have lots of great adoptable pets ready & waiting for new homes www.VBACAC.com

SUNDAYS THROUGH DEC 23

11am | Scuba Santa 12–3pm | Sundays with Santa

DECEMBER 9 & 16 Member Exclusive 8:30–10am | Donuts with Santa

DECEMBER 24

2pm | Cruise with Claus

Adoptable pets will be visiting the Virginia Aquarium!

January–August 2019 Every third Saturday | 11am –2pm

Check our program & events guide on page 12 for more details.

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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 December 31, 2018

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

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

MONDAYS T i c ke ts on sa le

N OW

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ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED INFORMATION & TICKETS AT VIRGINIAAQUARIUM.COM