The Top 3 Aquariums In America Right Now
June is National Zoo and Aquarium Month, so we’re going to start the month by looking at three of the best examples of aquariums in the country. This list is completely subjective and won’t line up with popular opinion. Still, the three institutions chosen all deserve praise. The aim of National Aquarium Month is to highlight their role in the protection of marine life, as proclaimed in the official designation by President Reagen in 1982. So, we have to take an honest look at the state of modern aquariums.
Now, there were some strict rules in place when choosing the best aquariums in the country for this selection. First, I didn’t want to go by popularity with visitors. Just because an aquarium has a great rating on TripAdvisor, that doesn’t mean it’s good for the animals. It could have had performing cetaceans in cramped conditions but still got 5 stars for its food, parking, and other attractions.
On that note, the second rule was no dolphins or whales at the facility. There may well be some brilliant aquariums out there doing their best to help resident dolphins and orcas live out their days with a high quality of life. However, there is no place for either in confined tanks, when they could be protected out in the wild. This goes for all those cute belugas that aquarium visitors are so fond of too.
This drastically depleted the list of potential candidates because a surprising number still houses one or more of these animals. All of the SeaWorld parks are out because of their history with orcas. This is a shame when San Diego has such a great zoo and generally good reputation. Mystic Aquarium and the John G. Shedd Aquarium often come out on top — or close by — on online lists, but they both have belugas. Thankfully, we’re past the days of performing dolphins like Flipper in Miami, but there’s still work to do.
The final rule was that the aquarium needed a good relationship with the ocean and ocean conservation. The best aquariums are those that give back to the planet and teach people about species and conservation, rather than just acting as a collection of animals. If they happen to reside by the ocean, all the better. So, with this final point in mind, three places stood out from the crowd. The first isn’t going to be a surprise to anyone.
1) Monterey Bay Aquarium
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Monterey Bay has been a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in marine biology for a long time now. The aquarium is vast and supported by a dedicated team of conservationists and educators. They want to celebrate the natural world and the extraordinary ecosystem out in the Californian bay beside them. Their work continues to inspire generations by teaching them about the threats to the planet and the biodiversity around them. There are no large whales and dolphins inside, but it isn’t too difficult to spot wild ones from the shore. The site is also home to some carefully designed areas that mimic natural landscapes, such as coral reefs and living kelp forests. This attention to detail and care for the species within makes them worthy of the top spot.
2) Seattle Aquarium
The next entry is also on the West Coast but in a completely different environment. The marine landscape of the Pacific Northwest is diverse, with the local sea otters and seals delighting everyone they meet. The Seattle Aquarium is the perfect place to showcase these species, as well as many other native creatures while educating visitors. All of the animals are sustainably sourced, with a focus on protecting the local area. The aquarium is right on Elliot Bay, making it the perfect base for locals and tourists alike. There are also summer camps and ecology programs available.
3) The New England Aquarium
The last entry takes us over to the East Coast. Boston might not be the first place you think of with East Coast aquariums. However, it is carrying out some important work to promote local wildlife and protect the oceans. This one is lower down the list because there is mention of seal and sea-lion training with their exhibit. Still, we can’t overlook all the great work with sea turtle rescue, public education, and a massive four-story tank for their larger species. On top of this, the aquarium runs tours to go out into Boston Harbor and see whales and dolphins back where they belong.
As National Zoo and Aquarium Month runs throughout June, there will no doubt be some more stories this month celebrating and shaming the best and worst facilities in the country. Zoos and aquariums are important resources for conservation and education, and we need to hold them accountable.
