Tuesday, the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center introduced its newest major animal addition to the Red Sea Aquarium.  Mena, a stunning female zebra shark, was reluctant to appear initially. However, media and Aquarium guests were quick to adore her. She is the only shark of this species at the Aquarium.

Today off the shores of Croatan Beach (Virginia Beach) in front of a curious and cheering crowd of onlookers, the nearly 300 pound loggerhead male sea turtle “25” was released by its caretakers, the Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Team. Two representatives from the US Coast Guard were also on hand since the regional command assisted the team when 25 was found entangled off the coast of Cape Charles May 22. The name 25 was selected to honor the Virginia Aquarium’s 25th anniversary but “Big Boy” quickly became his nickname as he was the second largest turtle the team had ever rehabilitated.

One of the Virginia Aquarium’s largest rehabbed sea turtles will be released Tuesday, October 18, at 2 p.m. off the southern shores of Croatan, Virginia Beach, in front of the public parking lot. This adult male loggerhead was named “25” in honor of the Aquarium’s 25 year anniversary. Because he weighs nearly 300 pounds, he has been dubbed “Big Boy.”    

Any organization that has been around for 25 years certainly has its share of goals and milestones.  This week the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, which is in its 25th year, introduced online ticketing. Simultaneously, the Aquarium implemented ticketless entry for membership guests only. Both initiatives offer convenience and improved customer service for the Aquarium’s 600,000 plus guests a year.  

(Virginia Beach, VA) – Thanks to a keen observer on the Naval Station Norfolk, and with the help of Naval Station Norfolk Police Precinct and a few sailors from the USS Boise (SSN 764), a struggling live loggerhead sea turtle was rescued by the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center late Tuesday afternoon.