New England Aquarium Giant Ocean Tank
The New England Aquarium, located in Boston, Massachusetts, is one of the most popular attractions in the city. One of its main highlights is the Giant Ocean Tank, a massive cylindrical aquarium that houses a diverse array of marine life. This article will take you on an underwater adventure as we explore the Giant Ocean Tank and its inhabitants.
History of the Giant Ocean Tank
The Giant Ocean Tank was first opened in 1970 and was one of the largest aquariums in the world at the time. It was designed by Peter Chermayeff and Graham Gund, and it holds 200,000 gallons of water. The tank underwent a major renovation in 2013, which expanded its capacity to 280,000 gallons and added new features such as a Caribbean coral reef exhibit.
Inhabitants of the Giant Ocean Tank
The Giant Ocean Tank is home to over 2,000 animals representing more than 100 species. Some of the most notable inhabitants include:
- Myrtle, a 90-year-old sea turtle who has been a resident of the aquarium since 1970
- Giant ocean sunfish, also known as Mola mola, which are the heaviest bony fish in the world
- Sand tiger sharks, who have a menacing appearance but are relatively docile and pose little threat to humans
- Atlantic stingrays, which can often be seen gliding gracefully through the water
- Colorful tropical fish such as angelfish, butterflyfish, and parrotfish
The Coral Reef Exhibit
The Giant Ocean Tank's coral reef exhibit was added in 2013 as part of the renovation project. It features a replica of a Caribbean coral reef ecosystem, complete with colorful coral formations, schools of fish, and other marine creatures. Visitors can view the exhibit from multiple levels, including a spiral staircase that wraps around the tank.
Interactive Exhibits
In addition to the Giant Ocean Tank, the New England Aquarium has several other interactive exhibits that allow visitors to get up close and personal with marine life. These include:
- The Edge of the Sea touch tank, where visitors can touch sea stars, hermit crabs, and other creatures
- The Amazon Rainforest exhibit, which showcases animals such as anacondas, poison dart frogs, and piranhas
- The penguin exhibit, where visitors can watch African penguins waddle, swim, and play
Conservation Efforts
The New England Aquarium is committed to marine conservation and education. It participates in several conservation initiatives, including the rescue and rehabilitation of stranded sea turtles and the preservation of endangered species such as the North Atlantic right whale. The aquarium also offers educational programs for visitors of all ages, including behind-the-scenes tours, overnight stays, and marine biology workshops.
Plan Your Visit
The New England Aquarium is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission prices vary depending on age and residency, but discounts are available for students, military personnel, and Boston residents. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance to avoid long lines. The aquarium is located in the heart of Boston's waterfront district and is easily accessible by public transportation or car.
Conclusion
The Giant Ocean Tank at the New England Aquarium is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Boston. Its massive size and diverse array of marine life make it a truly unique experience. Whether you're a marine biology enthusiast or just looking for a fun family outing, the aquarium's interactive exhibits and conservation efforts are sure to impress.