ABQ BioPark Aquarium
| ABQ BioPark Aquarium | |
|---|---|
 The ABQ BioPark Aquarium building | |
 | |
| 35°05′36″N 106°40′44″W / 35.0932°N 106.6790°W | |
| Date opened | 5 December 1996 [1] |
| Location | Albuquerque Biological Park, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States |
| Volume of largest tank | 285,000 U.S. gallons (1,080,000 L)[1] |
| Memberships | AZA[2] |
| Website | www |
The ABQ BioPark Aquarium, located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States is a facility of the Albuquerque Biological Park and is located next door to the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden. The ABQ BioPark Aquarium exhibits Gulf of Mexico and South Pacific saltwater species from a variety of habitats, including surf zone, shallow waters, coral reefs, open ocean and deep ocean. The highlight of the aquarium is a 285,000 U.S. gal (1,080,000 L) shark tank with a 38-foot (12 m)-wide, 9-foot (2.7 m)-high, 8-inch (200 mm)-thick acrylic viewing window.
The South Pacific Gallery features
Exhibits
The ABQ BioPark Aquarium was built as a themed aquarium, with visitors starting at a fountain that depicts the headwaters of the Rio Grande and ending at a 285,000-U.S.-gallon (1,080,000 L) saltwater tank which holds species from the open ocean of the Gulf of Mexico.[3][4]
After entering the museum, visitors first view freshwater tanks that display fish from the Rio Grande, both currently found and those no longer found in the river today. Adjacent is a small movie theater displaying informational films on aquatic life. Following this is a
In July 2018, the aquarium expanded with the addition of a large North American River Otter exhibit. facility houses 3 otters, females Chaos and Mayhem and a male Dixon. The exhibit is multilayered with an upper-level with land, hiding areas, and plenty of dirt and vegetation with view of the large pool. The large pool includes an underwater viewing tank. Around the viewing tank are smaller tanks that include local fish such as blue gill and catfish, terrariums with local amphibians like leopard frogs and bullfrogs, and invertebrates such as crayfish.
A replica of a coral reef displaying such fish as
In 2020, the aquarium added a new exhibit for frog fish. The coral exhibit also went over a large expansion, transforming the small 200-gallon tank into a 1,500-gallon one. The aquarium is home to 50 coral species.
The final exhibit, a 285,000-U.S.-gallon (1,080,000 L) saltwater tank with a 38-foot (12 m) viewing window,
A restaurant and a gift shop are also located in the building.
Conservation
The ABQ BioPark Aquarium currently runs a facility that focuses in the conservation of fishes found in the Rio Grande. The project includes the
The stated mission of the aquarium is to educate the public about the world oceans and the animals that live within. Events are held year round and include monthly sleepovers, a "Shark Week", camps for children during the summer and spring, and celebrations for World Oceans Day, and Earth Day.
Future Exhibits
An updated aquarium entrance is in the new master plans for the aquarium. A recent bond was passed to help bring in a North American Otter exhibit towards the existing Pelican pond. Other new plans include updated local fish exhibits.
Former Exhibits/ Residents
- A model boatexhibition hall was found in the Aquarium. It has closed and will serve as a location needed for the Otter Exhibit.
- The Current Terrapin Exhibit housed baby american alligators before terrapins, and fished before alligators.
- The current Fish of the South Pacific walk through tunnel formerly housed Moray eels along with other eel species.
References
- ^ a b c "Albuquerque Aquarium". bioparksociety.org. New Mexico Biopark Society. Archived from the original on 19 December 2009. Retrieved 21 February 2010.
- ^ "Currently Accredited Zoos and Aquariums". aza.org. AZA. Retrieved 11 April 2010.
- ^ "Albuquerque Aquarium". cabq.gov. City of Albuquerque. Archived from the original on 28 January 2010. Retrieved 21 February 2010.
- ^ "Aquarium and Botanical Garden Map" (PDF). cabq.gov. City of Albuquerque. Archived from the original (PDF) on 7 January 2010. Retrieved 21 February 2010.
External links
