National Aquarium Inc

Programs: Biological programsthe national aquarium's living collection includes more than 17,000 animals from more than 750 species of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and marine mammals that live in award-winning, re-created habitats. The biological programs department provides the best possible care for all animals in the collection and works to promote the conservation of wild populations and their habitats. In addition, biological programs staff conducts scientific research and field work to support species and habitat conservation, with a strong emphasis on the chesapeake bay.

conservation educationthe national aquarium's education programs help students and teachers gain leadership skills and improve science learning, especially at a time when school districts struggle to provide hands-on environmental education opportunities. Conservation programs, both on-site and in the field, guide participants toward more personal and sustainable relationships with the natural world, inspiring students to enjoy, respect and protect the aquatic world. Each year, more than 113,000 students and chaperones visit the national aquarium, with approximately 11,000 coming from baltimore city, which has many struggling schools. The free admission program, available to maryland schools, introduces students to environmental conservation and marine science. Programs for teachers and school-aged youth include curriculum support; teacher orientations, workshops, and other trainings; school group tours; and grade-appropriate classroom programs that meet national and state curriculum standards.

guest operationsas an institution accredited by the association of zoos and aquariums (aza), the national aquarium is a leader in its field and embraces the highest quality facilities, programs, and staff available. Since opening in 1981, more than 47 million guests have learned about the rich diversity of life through the aquarium's exhibits and by participating in its guest programs. Programming for guests includes animal encounters, feeding and diving demonstrations, guided tours, classroom programs, auditorium presentations, hands-on discovery cart interactions, and other enrichment activities and special events.