National Aquarium

Aquarium experience: the National Aquarium is located in the heart of the inner harbor in baltimore, Maryland. Situated on two city piers with the chesapeake bay on either side, the Aquarium features three pavilions and a living collection that includes more than 20,000 animals from more than 800 species of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals in award-winning habitats. The National Aquarium is Maryland's largest paid tourist attraction, welcoming more than 1.2 million visitors annually. More than 50 million guests have visited the Aquarium since it opened in 1981, and Aquarium staff members are committed to going to extraordinary lengths to delight guests and inspire them to act to conserve the world's aquatic treasures. As an organization accredited by the association of zoos and aquariums (aza), the National Aquarium maintains the highest possible standards of excellence in all aspects of animal care in order to advance animal health, husbandry and welfare practices. In addition to providing the best possible care for all animals at the Aquarium, staff conduct scientific research and field work to support species and habitat conservation, with a strong emphasis on the chesapeake bay. Current exhibits at the National Aquarium include amazon river forest, atlantic coral reef, atlantic to pacific, australia: wild extremes, blacktip reef, dolphin discovery, jellies invasion, living seashore, Maryland experience, shark alley, surviving adaptation, tropical rainforest, harry and jeanette weinberg waterfront park, and the 4d immersion theater.

Conservation & education: the National Aquarium is a nonprofit organization focused on changing the way humanity cares for the ocean. What began over 35 years ago as a visitor attraction has evolved into a conservation organization that operates a world-class Aquarium. Through unparalleled exhibits, science-based education programs and hands-on field initiatives, we are creating a global community of hopeful conservationists, united to restore our planet, driven by our mission to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet. We are at the forefront of efforts to increase public awareness of the challenges facing our coasts and oceans and to lead direct action to improve the health of the baltimore harbor, the chesapeake bay and oceans around the world. The National Aquarium is also committed to educating students of all ages about the environment and the ocean. By getting their boots wet and their hands dirty, students who participate in the National Aquarium's education programs have opportunities to explore their skills and interests, and make emotional connections to the environment and our blue planet. More than 56,000 Maryland students visit the National Aquarium free of charge each year, where they become immersed in the world of water and learn more about protecting animals and their habitats.