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 - Now Open!
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
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.
Ray Touch Pool - Now Open!
Our ray touch pool was built in 1998 and recently underwent a revitalization process to add new vinyl flooring around the exhibit and improve the floor of the pool itself. Most of the rays that were in this exhibit have been available to view elsewhere in the Aquarium, including the Light Tower exhibit with the sea turtles or in the Chesapeake Bay Aquarium!
The Latest
November 30, 2022 - All rays have been returned to the touch pool, and the renovation process is completed!
Previous Milestones
November 21, 2022 - Guests are now able to touch the rays again! A few more rays will be added back to the pool as the acclimation process continues, and then the project will be complete.
Previous Milestones
November 17, 2022 - Following renovations, the rays are being moved back on exhibit a few at a time and acclimating well to their return home!
Previous Milestones
October 18, 2022 - The ray touch pool renovations are nearing completion! As the water is conditioned, animals are being reintroduced to the exhibit gradually. The touch pool will officially reopen once all animals have acclimated.
Previous Milestones
October 4, 2022 - The exhibit is being refilled with water and checked for leaks. The water is also being conditioned and tested so it is safe for our animals. Please note this process can take some time before the exhibit is ready for the rays to return.
Previous Milestones
July 18, 2022 - New blue flooring has been installed around the touch pool. Upgrades to the decking and railing overlooking the pool, as well as a new gel coat inside the pool, are in progress.
Previous Milestones
The rays have been removed from the exhibit and water has been drained! The touch pool is blocked off from public viewing and new floors have been laid in the area surrounding the exhibit.
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
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!