VAQ - Fall 2014

Fall 2014

Virginia Aquarium Quarterly

THE ADVENTURES OF MR. POTATO HEAD EXHIBIT OPENS OCTOBER 18 TH

CONSERVATION MISSION MAKING A GLOBAL IMPACT

SE C T I ON T I T LE

MEMBERSHIP QUICK FACTS CONTACT INFORMATION (757) 385-0279 Membership Office

DAILY ADMISSIONS PER MEMBERSHIP LEVEL Otter: 2 Crab: 4 Hedgehog: 6

(757) 385-0300 Guest Services Office

Stingray: 6

AquariumMembership@VirginiaAquarium.com

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

Fall 2014, Volume 3, Issue 4.

Virginia Aquarium Quarterly is published four times a year by the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation located at 717 General Booth Blvd, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451.

Creative Director: Savannah Kaylor Contributors: Karen Burns, Lynn Clements, Beth Firchau, David Lo, Susan Barco, Shawn Reid, Pam Sandloop, April Strickland, Mark Swingle, Cynthia Whitbred-Spanoulis

WE CARE ABOUT CONSERVATION

The VAQ is printed with soy-based inks on postconsumer recycled paper.

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

GET SOCIAL

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HOURS OF OPERATION 9AM–5PM Daily Closed on Thanksgiving & Christmas

Seal: 6

Dolphin Society: 6 Whale Society: 6 At least one named cardholder must be present.

NOW OPEN!

LYNN’S LINES

Water Quality & Citizen Science The Virginia Aquarium’s Water Quality Laboratory has set the standard for the industry by being the first aquarium- or zoo-approved state laboratory. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality inspected our equipment and procedures and the lab has been found to have highly accurate results.

Photo credit: Janice Marshall-Pittman

We can now process water samples collected by local volunteer groups at a deeply discounted price. These “citizen scientists”

Lynn Clements | Executive Director

can get a sterile container from the Aquarium’s lab and monitor parameters in local bodies of water on a regular basis. This summer, a cadre of interns did just that for Owls Creek, Rudee

Issue Highlights

Inlet, Lake Rudee, and Lake Wesley, routinely taking samples in order to establish baseline data at different sampling points.

This August, the lab also offered ornamental pond owners and aquarium hobbyists testing, even including special calcium and magnesium testing for coral reef tank owners. Along with

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training other aquarium and zoo lab managers in lab testing procedures and writing articles on best practices, our water quality staff is reaching out to the community to make sure our

MR. PO TAT O HEAD EXHIBIT

citizens understand water quality in new and interesting ways.

Executive Director

15 REALIZING A DREAM

12 EXPERT Q & A

17 COMMO T ION E V E NT

Fall 2014 | Virginia Aquarium Quarterly

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FAN PHOTOS

Young Scientists At Work | Jovonne Vrechek

Della At The Touch Tank | Adele Lundquist

Can You Hear It? | David Haycox

Ava and Keith at the Butterfly Exhibit | Katie Neubert

Watching with Wonder | Christy Campbell

S E N D U S Y O U R FAV O R I T E FA N P H O T O S TA K E N AT T H E A Q UA R I U M The top picks will be included in the 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.

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Virginia Aquarium Quarterly | Fall 2014

PURCHASE YOUR

LIMITED EDITION

2015 AQUARIUM CALENDAR

IN STORES

NOW!

R ViRginia aquaRium FOU T E G mEmbERs show your valid NS Aquarium membership SSIO I M card and a photo ID at the AD Virginia Zoo during the month of October and receive free general admission for up to 4 people.

E E R F

virginiazoo.org Fall 2014 | Virginia Aquarium Quarterly Zoo_VAaquarium_2014_2_final.indd 1

9/3/14 12:18 PM

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COVER STORY

YOUR BEST

SPUD COMES FOR A VISIT

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Virginia Aquarium Quarterly | Fall 2014

THE BIG POTATO NEEDS YOU TO JOIN HIS TATER TEAM! Get ready for fun and educational expeditions at the ­Virginia Aquarium.

Opening October 18, 2014, The Adventures of MR. POTATO HEAD exhibit is an exciting hands-on traveling experience created by the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum in collaboration with PLAYSKOOL®, and is featured in the Changing Exhibit Gallery through April 2015. The exhibit is free with paid Aquarium Admission or Membership.

By Cynthia Whitbred-Spanoulis

T

he exhibit features the silly and much-loved MR. POTATO HEAD character, who becomes an astronaut, explorer, scientist, and undersea adventurer with a change of his “parts.” His knack for wacky escapades and familiar personality engage children and adults in adventures that are friendly, yet exotic, while the comic appeal of the character charms adults and encourages them to play along. The MR. POTATO HEAD character will lead the way on amazing adventures into outer space, on a jungle safari, on an archaeological dig, and under the sea. Meet incredible creatures as you explore the jungle safari. Help repair the S.P.U.D. space station and search for life on the planet Neptato. Explore the ocean with Jacques Coustato. Join an archaeological dig to solve the secrets of King Tato’s lost vegetable kingdom. You’ll have a spudtacular time! continued Fall 2014 | Virginia Aquarium Quarterly

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EXHIBIT OVERVIEW At the exhibit’s entry, kids can gather at the play table, where seven mounted potato bodies and a vast collection of body parts and accessories inspire them to create their own silly MR. POTATO HEAD figures. The endless possibilities spark their imaginations and creative self-expression and send their fingers flying as they develop fine motor skills.

Spud Overboard Young oceanographers can climb aboard the spud sub, a potato-shaped playhouse outfitted for underwater exploration.

Buttons on the control panel trigger watery sound effects, allowing budding musicians to create an ocean overture

on the vessel’s musical pipes. The gently view rocking scuba sled beckons, where the through the snorkeling mask transports swimmers on an imaginary odyssey.

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Virginia Aquarium Quarterly | Fall 2014

OPENING OCTOBER 18TH

Spud Quest ato Head The MR. POTATO HEAD, PhD (Pot archeologists Doctor) character invites budding le kingdom. to explore the ruins of a lost vegetab whose The mysteries begin with a statue, ed to ign pedestal contains three mazes des ence and challenge children’s persistence, pati holds also l problem-solving skills. The pedesta tatoglyphs 26 embossers, marked with the 26 ch kids whi of King Tato’s ancient alphabet, dren use learn to decipher. At the dig site, chil ble” “rub all kinds of tools to remove plastic . and unearth artifacts and pictograms

Space S.P.U.D Young astronauts can join the Com mander MR. POTATO HEA D character and cr ew aboard the S.P.U.D . (Super Potatoes United for Discovery) space station as they or bi t the distant planet Neptato. Re sembling a spacethemed playhouse, the S. P.U.D. station offer s interior and exterior activities for astronauts-in -training.

Super Cool! ntle note, as kids move The exhibit ends on a ge motion-sensitive their bodies in front of a twinkling lights that wall to create a pattern of stars in the night sky. brighten and fade like the

In addition to building a variety of essential academic skills, the exhibit encourages children to welcome new experiences with confidence, curiosity and humor, to think about all they can be and do, and to always respect themselves and others. The experience is simply fun for everyone, young and old! Don’t miss out on this great new temporary exhibit.

The Adventures of MR. POTATO HEAD exhibit was created by the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum in collaboration with Hasbro. MR. POTATO HEAD is a registered trademark of Hasbro, Inc. and is used with permission. © 2014 Hasbro. All rights reserved. The national exhibit tour is sponsored by the Northwestern Mutual Foundation, with additional support provided by Debra Altshul-Stark and Brian Stark, and the Greater Milwaukee Foundation.

Fall 2014 | Virginia Aquarium Quarterly

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FALL QUARTER

PROGRAM & EVENTS SPECIAL EVENTS E-Cycling Event October 4 | 10AM-2PM The Aquarium, in partnership with TFC Recycling, Recycling Perks and Goodwill Industries, will offer an e-cycling event in the East Parking Lot at the Aquarium.

Visit VirginiaAquarium.com for acceptable items.

The Adventures of MR. POTATO HEAD Exhibit Preview

G U I DE

BONUS EXPERIENCES

Included with membership and admission.

Reservations are not required.

Myths and Mysteries of the Deep October 18-24 | 11AM-3PM We will kick off Myths and Mysteries of the Deep week on Hagfish Day! Each day there will be a creature feature cart highlighting the “cool” residents of the Cold Water gallery, including deep sea isopods, octopus and lionfish.

MEMBERS ONLY

October 18 | 8-10AM Help us welcome our new traveling exhibit at this member-only preview. See your favorite character in a variety of scenarios from SCUBA diving to space!

Hide-and-Seek November 15 | 11AM-3PM Think you’re a pro at hide-and-seek? Come learn how our animals have mastered this skill through fun activities and games.

$7 members, $10 non-members

Joel Sartore Speaker Event November 16 | 2PM

SCUBA Santa Saturdays and Sundays | 11AM November 29-December 21

National Geographic freelance photographer Joel Sartore shares his Photo Ark project to photograph every captive species on Earth. Through photos, video and stories, see how we can all make a difference.

Santa dives deep in Aquarium waters to spend time with resident sea life, including sharks!

CHESAPEAKE BAY AQUARIUM

FREE

Sundays with Santa

Breakfast with Santa

Sundays | 12-3PM November 30-December 21

MEMBERS ONLY

December 20 | 9-10:30AM Snap a photo and visit with our very jolly special guest! Holiday craft stations and other activities will be available along with a delicious breakfast prepared by SODEXO’s executive chef.

Reservations required, call (757) 385-0300. $17 members

Huddle, Hibernate or Migrate October 2 | 2-3:15PM Winter is on its way and animals will have a long time to wait until plants produce food again in the spring. Come learn what animals do to survive the winter. MARSH PAVILION

October 16 | 2-3:15PM

Monster Madness Wear your favorite costume and enjoy storytelling, a puppet show, live animal encounters, games and prizes. Monster Madness is a great family outing.

A paying adult must accompany children. For reservations or more information call (757) 385-0300.

Geared for ages 4-6, these programs include age-appropriate discussions, activities and crafts. $7 members, $10 non-members. Pre-registration is strongly recommended by calling (757) 385-0278 or by e-mailing programs@virginiaaquarium.com.

Creatures of the Night

FREE

October 24 | 6-9PM

DISCOVERY DAYS

Join Santa and his elves for holiday festivities and fun activities. MARSH PAVILION

Countdown to 2015!

December 31 | 11AM-1PM Children and adults get ready for the New Year!

Join us for games, activities and sparkling nonalcoholic beverages. MARSH PAVILION

Nocturnal animals are able to be active at night because of special adaptations. Learn about these adaptations and meet some of the Aquarium’s nocturnal ambassadors. MARSH PAVILION

Colors of Fall November 6 | 2-3:15PM Leaves are starting to turn orange, red and yellow.

Ever wonder how they do that and what other things change? Join us as we learn how fall weather changes things. MARSH PAVILION

Native American Know-How November 20 | 2-3:15PM What would you do without grocery stores, televisions, telephones or cars? Early Native Americans lived a very different lifestyle than we do. Join us as we learn to live like Native Americans for a day. MARSH PAVILION

Detach & Keep Guide For A Quick Reference

Beach Day

TODDLER PROGRAMS

December 4 | 2-3:15PM

Sponsored by Whole Foods, these weekly programs are created just for the little ones. Included with membership and admission. Programs last about 30 minutes. Adults must accompany child during program.

Do you miss summer and being on the beach as much as we do?

Join us as we bring the beach inside for some sandy fun.

MARSH PAVILION

Winter Weather December 18 | 2-3:15PM Brrr!!! It’s cold outside. Some animals do not hibernate or migrate during the winter. Come see how animals like the otter and owl survive colder climates. MARSH PAVILION

Toddler Tuesday Every Tuesday | 11AM & 12:30PM Bring your little ones for this age-appropriate program that includes story time, songs and an Aquarium adventure. MARSH PAVILION

Toddler Trek Every Thursday | 11AM

Play by the pond and look for turtles, frogs and tadpoles. Dress to get wet and muddy.

Puppet Shows

Explore the Woods

October 21, November 18, December 16 | 11AM & 12:30PM

Pretend to be a Native American and search the woods for materials to make tools and a home.

Dress for the weather of the day.

Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 1PM Go above the Chesapeake Light Tower Aquarium to observe aquarists conducting a feeding and behavioral training session with the sea turtles.

45 minutes.

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday | 12:30PM

October 8 & 11 | 10-11AM

November 13 & 15 | 10-11AM

Sea Turtles

Above & Beyond

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

Explore the Pond

Go beyond the Aquarium glass for a closer look. Bring yourself face-to-fin with your favorite creatures and connect with them up close. Reservations required in ­advance. Book online or call (757) 385-0300. Some age and height restrictions apply. Must be able to climb stairs. Book by noon.

$15 members, $20 non-members

NURTURING NATURALISTS Each month educators will hold a onehour nature play session designed to help parents build the confidence to take family nature outings and foster a love of nature in their children. Activities geared for kids ages 4-10 and their parents.

Free with admission. Check in 9:45AM at the Bay & Ocean Pavilion lobby.

BEHIND-THE-SCENES

On the third Tuesday of the month, our Toddler Tuesday features a live-action puppet show to accompany our story time. MARSH PAVILION

Early Expeditions Every Wednesday | 11AM Bring your little one to solve an animal mystery.

They’ll hone problem-solving skills and help figure out the “who, what, when, where and why” of the animal world.

Take a peek at the “inner workings” of a public aquarium and find out how we care for our fish and other marine animals during a tour of selected aquarium service areas. 45 minutes. $15 members, $20 non-members

EXPERT Q&A

Water, water everywhere. b M an ag er Davi d Lo | Wat er Q ua lit y La 4 Ye ar s at Vi rg in ia Aq ua riu m

What do you do at the Aquarium? I not only test all the water in all the tanks, but also manage two great part-time employees and a few dedicated volunteers.

What is your favorite thing about your job?

Every aspect of my job, from water testing to record keeping, is important.

But honestly, I think the best thing about my job is teaching and training the importance of water quality to the overall health of the animals in our care at the Aquarium.

How are animals affected by changes in water conditions? Most animals live in areas with very specific environmental

David Lo and his team work to ensure that water in all Aquarium exhibits contributes to a healthy environment.

conditions that enable them to thrive.

Some animals are very adaptable to environmental changes (including water quality) but others may not be. Those species may begin a gradual, sharp or complete decline in health.

Why is it necessary to regularly test pH levels? pH is one of the most critical water quality parameters within a healthy aquarium environment. If the pH is too high or too low, or is in constant fluctuation, it can be harmful to the animals in your aquarium. Regular monitoring can give you early warning when something is just not right that may be endangering the health of your aquarium.

How does the Aquarium manage water quality in the exhibits? Each tank in the

The Water Quality Lab conducts more than 1,300 individual tests each week to maintain the critical water quality parameters that affect animal health.

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Virginia Aquarium Quarterly | Fall 2014

Aquarium is tested at least once a week. Some, like the Stingray Touch Pool, are tested daily. In a week, the water quality lab processes the water from around 140 tanks for a variety of parameters. This equals to over 1,300 individual tests. The results are used to determine husbandry procedures needed to maintain the overall health of the exhibits.

SPOTLIGHTS

Species Champion BECCA GANGLER for her work with Eagle Rays

Aetobatus narinari

Volunteer DR. SAMANTHA WETZLER

A day in the life of Aquarium volunteer Becca Gangler works with the Aquarium’s rays and serves an important role as keeper of vital information about the spotted eagle ray species.

The Virginia Aquarium is proud to recognize Senior Aquarist, Becca Gangler, in her role as keeper of the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s (AZA) Spotted Eagle Ray Studbook. The Spotted Eagle Ray Studbook is a program established to ensure high genetic diversity and future sustainability of the species populations in AZA member zoos and aquariums. As studbook keeper, Becca manages the information related to ray life histories and determines breeding compatibility for all animals in it.

“It is our mission as ambassadors and caregivers of the animals that we display to not only express their natural beauty to the public, but to also contribute to the betterment of the species through conservation and research.”

The Virginia Aquarium has the second largest collection of spotted eagle rays in AZA institutions. The Aquarium is proud to be an active member of the AZA Spotted Eagle Ray Studbook and to support Becca in her role as studbook keeper. – By Beth Firchau

Dr. Samantha Wetzler is as intriguing as the pages of a novel that you just cannot put down. Wife, medical examiner, pathologist, lecturer, environmentalist – these are but a few of the titles worn by the mother of three.

About two years ago, Dr. Wetzler began volunteering as part of the Aquarium’s Stranding Response Team, lending her expertise during necropsies. Because of the parallel between marine mammals and humans, she uses her experiences as a medical examiner to shed light on what happened to the animals. In addition to her work with the Stranding Response Team, Dr. Wetzler is a trustee and helps coordinate Women’s Voices for Marine Environment. – By Shawn Reid

To receive more information about volunteering, call (757) 385-0274, Monday - Friday 9AM - 5PM or visit www.VirginiaAquairum.com/volunteer

Fall 2014 | Virginia Aquarium Quarterly

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2013

STRANDING NEWS

sea turtle hook removals

HOOKED SEA TURTLES: Solving The Problem Together Reports of sea turtles hooked by recreational fishers in Virginia have increased steadily in the past few years. In 2013 the Stranding Program recorded a record number of hooked turtles (20) and only seven of those were brought in for hook removal and rehabilitation.

Knowing we were experiencing increasing numbers of hooked turtles, we started reaching out to recreational fishers and pier owners and operators in the spring of 2014.

7 2014

sea turtle hook removals

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With the help of Stranding Response Team member Kathy O’Hara, we assessed each pier for equipment needs and distributed signage made for us by NOAA Fisheries. Kathy found that both pier owners and pier fishers are interested in helping hooked turtles and, as a result, we started a pilot project that we are calling the Virginia Aquarium Pier Partners Project, which is modeled after the Loggerhead Marinelife Center’s Responsible Pier Initiative.

AWARENESS IMPROVES RESPONSE Following initiation of the Pier Partners Project in spring of 2014, the Stranding Program recorded 20 hooked turtles and 14 were brought in for hook removal and rehabilitation from May through June 2014.

One animal was brought in twice for a total of 15 responses. Our partner veterinarians at Beach Pet Hospital have helped remove hooks from the more deeply hooked animals. One Kemps Ridley sea turtle named Voldemort may be habituated to feeding near piers.

Voldemort was hooked on a Saturday at the Buckroe fishing pier then, after being released the next Wednesday, was hooked again.

RESPONSE FOR HOOKED SEA TURTLES IS GROWING area sea turtles reported as hooked and brought in for hook removal area sea turtles reported as hooked but not brought in for hook removal

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2013

35% OF HOOKS REMOVED

20 hooked turtles, 7 hook removals

Virginia Aquarium Quarterly | Fall 2014

MAY-JUNE

2014

75% OF HOOKS REMOVED

20 hooked turtles, 15 hook removals

THE VIRGINIA AQUARIUM PIER PARTNERS PROJECT: From Response To Prevention

The first phase of the pilot project encourages fishers and pier operators to report and safely recover turtles without causing more injury.

In the future, we intend to learn more about the types of bait and hooks being used compared with those that turtles are hooked on. As the Pier Partners Program grows, we hope our efforts on behalf of hooked sea turtles moves from response to prevention.

FEATURE ARTICLE

REALIZING

A DREAM

By Mark Swingle

T

he word CONSERVATION is at the core of Virginia Aquarium’s mission and permeates all of our strategic thinking and planning. This thinking led us to develop the Restless Planet gallery (opened in 2009) to explore species and habitat conservation issues well beyond the borders of our region. The expanded animal collection and global reach of Restless Planet provide a wonderful opportunity for engaging in international field conservation efforts.

A great example of our commitment has been our work with the endangered Tomistoma crocodile.

Despite being one of the world’s largest crocodilians (they can reach lengths in excess of 5.5 m (18 ft), we still know very little about its wild distribution and ecology. Led by Curator of Mammals & Herpetology, Chip Harshaw, the Aquarium has been actively involved in the international scientific community and conservation efforts associated with Tomistoma. This has included participation in field surveys in Borneo, an international conservation workshop in Thailand and financial support from the Aquarium Foundation for field research and conservation efforts.

As we embarked on our conservation mission more than 28 years ago, the Aquarium could only dream of making an impact at the international level. With the continued involvement of our generous supporters, we are realizing that dream.

The extent and reach of the Aquarium’s involvement with Tomistoma conservation was highlighted during the recent meeting of the International Union for Conservation of Nature Species Survival Commission Crocodile Specialist Group (IUCN SSC CSG). The CSG is based in Australia and has more than 400 members from 52 countries. The international conference was hosted from May 26-30, 2014, by McNeese State University (MSU) in Lake Charles, LA. Curator Harshaw and I represented the Aquarium, joining more than 400 attendees from all parts of the world to experience a week of amazing presentations on the current science and management challenges facing crocodile species.

The highlights of the week for us were meeting CSG Chair Prof. Grahame Webb and being invited to become CSG members by Executive Officer Tom Dacey.

These two Australians embody the exuberant spirit and scientific integrity of the CSG and were fantastic hosts along with Dr. Mark Merchant from MSU. The Aquarium not only helped sponsor the conference but was officially recognized during the meeting for its long-standing financial support of the CSG Tomistoma Task Force and crocodile conservation, a commitment the Aquarium has sustained for 10 years.

Virginia Aquarium co-sponsored the IUCN SSC Crocodile Specialist Group Meeting in May 2014, joining more than 400 attendees from across the globe.

Curator of Mammals and Herpetology Chip Harshaw, third from the left, represented the Aquarium.

Fall 2014 | Virginia Aquarium Quarterly

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FISH FINATIC The Virginia Aquarium is home to over 7,000 fish, close to 200 species and we can’t help but get excited about them. Our staff are truly fish finatics! We hope you’ll love learning about some of our favorite fish.

Lionfish Pterois sp.

By Beth Firchau

FISH FINATIC FACTS 1 Lionfish are native to the warm tropical

4 Lionfish are out-competing native fish in

waters of the Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean and Red Sea.

thei r new home, and dec i mati ng j uv eni l e fish stocks.

2 Lionfish are known for their flamboyant body

5 It is now illegal to import lionfish into the

coloration and, if handled, can inflict serious injury with their poisonous fin spines.

3 In recent years, lionfish have found their way into the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and coastal US waters from New York to Florida.

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state of Florida. Other coastal states are making attempts to control lionfish populations by supporting direct harvesting of the fish by commercial and recreational fishermen.

FEATURE ARTICLE

COMMOTION IN THE OCEAN

The Party With A Purpose

By Pam Sandloop

SAVE THE DATE:

COMMOTION IN THE OCEAN

SATURDAY OCTOBER 11

quarium Connection, the young professionals group, will be hosting the annual Commotion in the Ocean gala on Saturday, October 11th. The TH proceeds from this year’s event will go toward the rehabilitation of the Chesapeake Bay Aquarium, which is now over 25 years old. This popular exhibit simulates the habitat among the pylons of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and highlights some of our local marine life. It is also home to one of the Aquarium’s most popular touch pools where visitors touch hermit crabs, whelks and horseshoe crabs.

The chair of this year’s event is Merrick McCabe, who leads a large planning committee with members who are working hard to make this year’s gala the best one yet. Festivities will include an expanded live auction and a silent auction, great food, beer and wine; with music from local band Hotcakes.

Aquarium Connection does more than just host Commotion in the Ocean.

President of Aquarium Connection Mike McCabe, Jr., stated, “Through a number of events, we raise support and awareness for the Virginia Aquarium and its foundation. Events like Commotion in the Ocean, the Virginia Aquarium Golf Classic, Clubbin’ with the Ladies and Sensible Seafood Fest all play a major role in what we, as members of the Aquarium Connection, do to help our wonderful aquarium. Proceeds from these events support Access Aquarium, a fund which provides Chesapeake Bay Aquarium Touch Tank free or reduced fee admission to underserved adults and children, as well as the Stranding Response Team, education outreach programs, technological upgrades and exhibits. We also act as stewards for our coastal area by increasing awareness of the projects and needs of the aquarium and the profound role that the Virginia Aquarium plays in the ecological success and beauty of our community.”

Tickets to Commotion in the Ocean are $100 and are available online at www.VirginiaAquarium.com.

For sponsorship information, call 385-0260.

Fall 2014 | Virginia Aquarium Quarterly

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SAVE TODAY FOR

HIS TOMORROW

BIG changes are coming

Pick up a turtle bank today for a chance to win! Not only will your change go towards our conservation efforts but your young child could win the opportunity to help release a stranded sea turtle back into the wild. Every child that donates receives a prize.

Six stories of changes to be exact.

The Giant Screen 3D theater will reopen in November.

Small Change for Conservation

The Aquarium Cafe offers sandwiches, salads, pizza, burgers and Little Shark Snacks for kids 6 and under!

Visit us before the end of the year and receive 20% off your next purchase!

Valid through 12/31/14. Coupon must be presented at time of purchase.

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Virginia Aquarium Quarterly | Fall 2014

Learn more about Virginia Beach’s heritage at one of our four locations! For more information call us at (757) 385-5100 or visit us at our website www.MuseumsVB.org.

THANK YOU

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT BY GIVING AT w w w .V i r g i n i a A q u a r i u m . c o m / S a v e T h e O c e a n Contributions from May 1 through July 31, 2014

Access Aquarium

Education

In Honor

Jane Batten GEICO Direct Portfolio Recovery Associates

Karen Burns ODU Institute for Learning in Retirement

Exhibits

Michelle Collins Capital Group Charitable Foundation: “Dollars for Doers”

Portfolio Recovery Associates

Annual Fund Anonymous Jason Baker Tom & Beth Patterson Bertrand Tom E. Fraim Tom E. Fraim, Jr. GEICO Direct, matching gift Sanci M. Hall Marcus Holman Amy Marquette Joanne & Jim McClellan Fund of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation Shewling Moy Norfolk Southern Corporation Good Government Fund, at the direction of William Spicuzza Lori & Gerald Skowronski TFC Recycling & Recycling Perks Lois Turnbull Melvin Wallerstein Dr. & Mrs. William B. Warden F. Beale Wilhoit

AquaPALS Animal Adoption Jackson Carawan Laurie Carawan Ronan Creamer Christine Ward Byron Fredericksen Marie Abowd Katy Furiga Richard Furiga Austin James Liscinsky Alejandra M. Moran-Liscinsky Maryellen McMahon In Memory of Tommy Morgan Eleanor Vasil Rorey Purcell Bruce Hulsizer Shaylinn Woodward Diane Casey

Sonny Alejo Ocean Creek Apparel, LLC

Sponsorship Exhibits Monarch Charities/Monarch Bank/ Monarch Mortgage The Oceanfront Inn, the Vakos family TFC Recycling & Recycling Perks

Lynn’s Legacy Kirk V. Brammer Deborah Connor Donna Ellis Page H. Kiniry Cynthia Whitbred-Spanoulis

Shirley Emerson Lynn Clements Kathleen Reed Joyce Whitaker

Louise Costenbader’s Retirement Kathleen Reed Isabel Cresswell’s Birthday Heather Donis

Warren L. Berry Cape Henry Woman’s Club Daisy Troop 402 Hansen Family Foundation Floyd E. Kellam, Jr. Family Fund of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation Old Donation Center, Mrs. Knecht’s Class of 2013-2014 Rotary Club of Cape Henry Judy & Buddy Sparrow Jessica Stewart

Horticulture Birdneck Point Garden Club

Henry & Eleanor Watts Speaker Series Norfolk Southern Corporation, Matching Gift

Anne Groth The Virginia Beach Garden Club Thomas Phillips Caroline Oliver Kendall Rhodes Lynn Clements

Mara Fredrickson Sharon Ross

John Shepherd Shirley Jones Karen Moyer

Hannah Hanes Jessica Stewart Peter Weed Marian Childress Bill & Carolyn Wood’s Anniversary Caroline Oliver

In Memory Stranding Response Program

Cristal Grandstaff Lynn Clements

Joseph Albert Benson, Jr. Susan Barco The Beneze Family Doug Bowles Nancy Chandler Susan Flavin Vincent Gomez Delores Grahek & Siblings T. A. Grell Alan R. Hills Kay Hofler D.W. Jones Mary Lowe Linda Lowrance Gwen & Richard F. Miller, Sr. Richard F. Miller Arthur New Carol Anne Robson Wendy Vaughn Bill & Claudia Vroman David & Ellen Walters and Family Chris & Jo Ellen Watson William Zoby

Sensible Seafood Fest 2014 Sponsors PNC Bank Whole Foods Market Virginia Beach High Liner Foods, Inc. Portfolio Recovery Associates Williamsburg Winery Anne Randolph, Eric Schmudde & Anne G. Kellam Hap & Becky Chalmers Coca-Cola Bottling Co. McLeskey Family Foundation Hoffman Beverage Sam Rust Seafood TFC Recycling Tidewater Home Funding Bob & Leslie Fort H.M. Terry Co. Norfolk Southern Corporation Dr. Thomas O’Hara DDS Sodexo - Virginia Aquarium Sysco Lynnhaven Oyster Company Natural Organic Process Enterprises (NOPE) Whitlock, Billy Edwards Walmart Norva Plastics

Dan Brockwell The Estate of Dan Brockwell To make a gift to the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation, call (757) 385-0262, or visit VirginiaAquarium.com/SaveTheOcean.

Fall 2014 | Virginia Aquarium Quarterly

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7 1 7 G E N E R A L B O O T H B LV D V I R G I N I A B E AC H , VA 2 3 4 5 1 (757) 385-FISH VirginiaAquarium.com A PUBLICATION OF THE VIRGINIA AQUARIUM & MARINE SCIENCE CENTER FOUNDATION Postmaster: Please deliver by October 31, 2014 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.

SEA THE SAVINGS

VISIT THE TWO AQUARIUM STORES TODAY! LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT GIFT? HERE’S

30% OFF

For a limited time, members get an additional 20% discount in addition to their original 10% discount with this coupon. Expires January 31, 2015.