Our Renovation Progress
Stay up to date on current construction projects!
From time to time, select exhibits will close for renovation to reinvigorate the guest experience, provide routine maintenance, and ensure a safe space for our animals to inhabit. We cannot wait to welcome guests back to these areas soon, but in the meantime, follow along and learn about the progress below!
Harbor Seal Exhibit
Our harbor seal exhibit was due for a refurbishment to help keep it safe for our four seal ambassadors. The exhibit opened to the public in 1996, and we last conducted routine maintenance in 2018.
The Latest
May 26, 2023 - Following maintenance, the exhibit has been refilled and the water is being processed. We hope to have our older seals Hector and Rudder back out on exhibit very soon!
Previous Milestones
March 16, 2023 - After extensive repairs were made to the seal exhibit in 2022, we determined that some of the sealant along the acrylic joints needs additional attention. The seals have been temporarily removed and will remain behind the scenes until these repairs are complete. Guests may be able to observe staff in the exhibit working on these joints. Once the repairs are made, the seals will return to the exhibit.
Previous Milestones
November 21, 2022 - The seals are back! All four seals are back greeting guests and enjoying the harbor seal exhibit after it underwent well-deserved refurbishment, though they are rotating in pairs on and off exhibit at this time.
Previous Milestones
August 29, 2022 - Water has been returned to the exhibit space and is being tested for quality.
Previous Milestones
August 4, 2022 - The acrylic, now fully polished, has been covered for protection as our contractor begins updating the rock work inside the exhibit. Most of this work is superficial and will not involve heavy reconstruction of the rocks.
Previous Milestones
July 18, 2022 - The acrylic through which visitors see the seals (and the seals see the visitors!) needed some buffing from both sides to improve clarity. This has been completed and contractors will soon begin renovating the railing on top of the acrylic.
Previous Milestones
We have removed the seals from the exhibit and they are settling nicely into their temporary homes behind the scenes! We have also drained the water from the exhibit so contractors can begin work.
The South Building
Our South Building opened in 1995 and was closed in 2018 for planned renovations to revamp the entire facility. The construction process has experienced recurring delays, but exciting exhibit details are coming together and progress continues.
The Latest
April 6, 2023 - Exhibits have been cleaned and are being filled and tested to ensure they operate as needed. During these tests, we identified a few areas that needed additional attention and are in the process of making some modifications. Once these concerns are addressed, water will be cycled and animals will be introduced to their new habitats. We are hopeful that we will open this summer, but want to be certain before announcing an opening date.
Previous Milestones
March 3, 2023 - Our contractor has finished the major renovations, with remaining maintenance and adjustments now being passed to our Aquarium team. The exhibits will be cleaned, filled with water, and once the water chemistry is perfect, animals will be moved into exhibits. This process can take several months. The opening date will be shared once it is confirmed.
Previous Milestones
July 18, 2022 - Our staff are working to add and process water into the exhibits. Note that this process can take weeks to months to complete, as the water must be well treated and prepared before animals can be introduced.
Previous Milestones
Much of the planned renovations have been completed, with many exhibit spaces ready for water to be pumped in and processed. Upgrades include a new cafe and store, new play areas for children, two new animal exhibit galleries, and new labs and clinics where guests can observe daily staff activities!
Marsh Pond
A portion of the Marsh Loop is closed as we make updates to the pond area, but guests may still walk along the Nature Trail and step out on the deck to enjoy views of Owls Creek!
The Latest
November 23, 2022 - Much of the work to deepen the pond has been completed. Work on the surrounding deck continues and new plants will be added around the area at a later time.
Previous Milestones
July 18, 2022 - The 37-year-old Marsh Pond is being renovated in order to deepen the pond, provide for a natural filter, and enhance accessibility by adding a walkway around the area. Renovations began in June and are expected to take several months to complete.
Previous Milestones
The deck area leading to the pond has been closed off. The rest of the Marsh Loop (accessible from our main exhibit spaces) remains open to guests!
There's Plenty More to See!
Several of our animal ambassadors are still excited to give you a warm welcome, including sea turtles, sharks, Komodo dragons, jellyfish and much more! You can explore these North Building galleries here:
Sea Turtles
Our Aquarium is home to four sea turtles that can be found in our Light Tower exhibit, often greeting guests at the window!
Our Sea Turtles
Sharks
While we have plenty of sharks across our exhibits, our largest and toothiest lurk in our Norfolk Canyon aquarium.
Our Shark Exhibits
Tomistoma
The least-studied of all crocodilians, Tomistoma are native to Malaysia and Indonesia. Sommer and Ralf are chilling out in the peat swamps section of our Restless Planet exhibit gallery - come check them out!
Our Tomistoma
Komodo Dragons
Our dragons represent the world's largest species of lizard in our Restless Planet gallery, which features biomes such as rainforests and deserts that once existed in prehistoric Virginia.
Our Komodo DragonsNeed More Information?
Visit our What to Expect page before your visit!