National Aquarium Institute Inc

Programs: Through exhibits, interactions, programs and events, the national aquarium institute (the institute) inspires conservation of the world's aquatic treasures. Education:conservation education is at the heart of the institute's mission of inspiring positive and responsible behaviors that promote the health of the world's waters and aquatic life. National aquarium educators connect thousands of children with nature each year through school programs, wetland restoration projects, experiential excursions, and on-site demonstrations that encourage visitors to become partners in hands-on restoration and stewardship activities. The community's children benefit from classroom instruction, outreach visits to schools, free school group visits, internships, program scholarships, and youth employment opportunities. The many thousands of students who participate in the institute's education programs make emotional connections that create lasting enthusiasm for the environment. Conservation:beyond its walls, the institute has extensive conservation efforts underway around the chesapeake bay that engage communities to protect and rebuild fragile tidal wetlands vital to the existence of marine life that makes the bay famous. Further afield, the institute's conservation efforts extend around the world through numerous programs that conserve natural habitats, protect threatened species, rescue wounded and stranded animals, and address issues of sustainable populations. General:the institute venues in baltimore, md, and washington, dc, are home to more than 14,000 animals representing more than 500 species. Award-winning naturalistic exhibits and exemplary animal care are the hallmarks of both experiences. The institute venues host more than 1. 5 million visitors combined each year.