CHAMPIONS IN ANIMAL CARE & HEALTH

At The Florida Aquarium, it is our duty to ensure the wellbeing of every animal entrusted to our care. From the highest standards of healthcare to the utmost in environmental conditions, our team works tirelessly so marine wildlife will thrive; whether The Florida Aquarium is their forever home or simply a temporary refuge for recovery.

In 2022, the Animal Care team focused on welcoming new species to increase diversity, enhance the guest experience and heighten guest engagement. By building deeper connections between the animals and the humans who come to visit them, The Florida Aquarium delivers on our mission to nurture a healthier bond between our community and nature.

To more efficiently refresh and renew our facility and focus, the Aquarium closed to the public for five (5) days during one of our slowest months (January 24 - 28). Staff and contractors worked collaboratively to tackle small and large projects, including significant maintenance to the Wetlands of Florida habitat.

The effort required a tremendous amount of planning and organizing by the Animal Care team to temporarily relocate a large number of animals within the facility while providing 24-hour watches for others. Once the habitat reopened, the team kept a watchful eye on all the animals involved to ensure their health and wellbeing.

In addition to overseeing the animals and participating in the maintenance of the Wetlands of Florida overhaul, the Animal Care team introduced additional birds to the habitat, including a wood thrush, blue jay, Baltimore oriole, whistling ducks and more. This elevated the total number of birds to the highest level in more than a decade and increased species diversity.