(Virginia Beach, VA) - The  Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA)  announced this week that the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center was granted accreditation by AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission. The AZA requires zoos and aquariums to successfully complete this rigorous accreditation process every five years in order to be members of the Association. The Aquarium was first accredited in 2001.

(Virginia Beach, VA) – “Pungo” an 18-year-old North American River Otter at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center was humanely euthanized today. Pungo had surgery in October to remove a
large cancerous mass in his chest. At that time the Aquarium’s veterinarian said that Pungo’s short term outlook was better but his long term prognosis was guarded.

(Virginia Beach, VA) – Most years the Virginia Aquarium Winter Wildlife Boat Trips end mid-March. But this exceptional year of whale sightings deserves a longer season, so trips have been extended through April 1. Last week’s record-breaking high temperatures didn’t seem to bother the boat passengers or whales even though whales were sighted on 60% of the trips. Recently, some guests are getting the added bonus of seeing dolphins. To date, the Aquarium has completed 104 Winter Wildlife Boat Trips with nearly 7500 guests.

“Willoughby,” an 18-year-old North American River Otter at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, was humanely euthanized yesterday. As an “elder otter” he had been suffering from various age-related health issues over the past several months, but this week he quickly deteriorated. 
 

Read about all the events that will be happening this spring at the Aquarium!