Monday, December 21, 2009

Hopping in for the Holidays



The Aquarium is preparing a very special gift for visitors this holiday season - six rockhopper penguins! The group road tripped it to Boston from their former home at Sea World in Orlando last month. They are now undergoing a routine quarantine period behind the scenes. After healthy check-ups, the group of six females are making their formal debut December 22. Visitors are invited to watch as they hop into their new home at the Aquarium's penguin exhibit.

The celebration continues the following week with the first ice sculpture of First Night, Boston's new year celebration. Six larger-than-life rockhoppers will greet visitors on the Aquarium's plaza. Come visit the newest members of the penguin colony (both icy and feathered) during December school vacation week!

subscribe



The Turtles Have Arrived

Dozens of cold-stunned sea turtles now are convalescing at the New England Aquarium, and they keep coming.


Visitors to the Aquarium get front-row seats to watch their recovery. Come to the Aquarium to see these rare animals get expert care and attention at the Animal Medical Center. Keep tabs on the Marine Animal Rescue Team blog for the latest head counts and to meet some of these rare animals.

Get in on the action with the Proud Parents Animal Sponsorship Program. Through your generous donation, you can help the Aquarium care for endangered green sea turtles and Kemp's ridley sea turtles.

subscribe



Join These People and Live Blue for a Better Planet!

Sebastian Junger, renowned author and journalist
Brian Skerry, New England Aquarium Explorer in residence
Wallace J. Nichols, a leader in ocean protection efforts

These are just a few of the people sharing their live blue profiles at the Aquarium’s new interactive online program, www.LiveBlueInitiative.org. Learn why these individuals care about the environment and what they do to live blue.

Sign up at www.LiveBlueInitiative.org to share your own reasons for living blue. The website lets you claim a plot of ocean to protect. You also can visit a new computer kiosk at the Aquarium to help protect coral fishes, right whales, Hector's dolphins, sea turtles, penguins and more.

subscribe



Spotlight on Research

'Tis the season for the annual migration of right whales to warmer waters off Florida and Georgia for the calving season. Where the whales go you can be sure our right whale researchers are dashing all the way after them!

CAPTION: This is the first right whale spotted by the Aerial Survey Team members during their flights over the Florida and Georgia coast this season. Click through to their blog entry for a larger image and to read more.


Researchers keep watch for the right whales from their Cessna Skymaster twin engine plane. This is all a part of the
Southeast Early Warning Survey. The EWS consists of survey teams from Wildlife Trust, Florida Conservation Commission and of course the New England Aquarium. Each of the groups observes a certain area off the coast of the southeastern United States. By photographing and reporting sightings of the endangered whales to warn ships, we hope to help reduce the risk of ship strikes.

CAPTION: The team stands beside a Cessna aircraft in which they will spend long hours scanning the waters for right whales.

For more information, to learn more about our team and see the latest pictures, visit the Aquarium's Right Whale Aerial Survey Blog

CAPTION: The team's mascot for the season, Louie, belongs to one of the pilots.

This year our right whale researchers attended the first annual Right Whale Festival in Jacksonville, Fla. to kick off this year's calving season. This event was such a tremendous success we hope to make this an annual event!

- by Amanda Thompson

subscribe



Here's to 40 More Great Years!


We're celebrating our 40th anniversary! The New England Aquarium opened its doors in 1969. Since then, our vision has been to redefine what it means to be an aquarium by combining education, entertainment and action to address the most challenging problems facing the ocean. Our awe-inspiring animals and exhibits are the lens through which our 1.3 million annual visitors can view the fragile beauty and wonder of the oceans. We are committed to engaging and educating our visitors, inspiring them to make a positive and lasting impact for ocean conservation. Please help ensure another 40 great years by making a celebratory donation of $40 right now. Thank you in advance for your generous support and for seeing us into our next 40 years.

subscribe



Now playing at the Simons IMAX Theatre


The beloved holiday classic written by Charles Dickens and starring Jim Carrey follows Ebenezer Scrooge as he finds the new meaning of holiday spirit. Moviegoers can travel through time, reach for falling snowflakes and feel the rumble of the horse-drawn carriages over the cobblestone streets through the digitally re-mastered IMAX 3D experience. This film is rated PG for scary sequences and images. Buy your tickets in advance!


subscribe



The Perfect Gift: Aquarium Gift Certificates




This holiday season you can find all sorts of pretty and practical gifts for the eco-friendly people on your list at the Aquarium Gift Shop. Aquarium gift certificates are available for purchase in the gift shop and online. Plus, get a jump on your holiday shopping with this list of blue planet gift ideas.



Holiday Gifts

Penguins make great holiday presents! For the penguin fan in your life, take home On the Wings of Penguins, a documentary prominently featuring Aquarium staff and animals that is packaged in a box set with March of the Penguins.

Check out the Aquarium's Gift Shop for this DVD plus a wide selection of additional thoughtful gifts. You will find plenty of goodies for the eco-friendly people on your list including:

- Jeff Corwin's new book, 100 Heartbeats: The race to Save Earth's Most Endangered Species

- Live Blue T-shirt featuring the slogan "I'm protecting our blue planet"

- BPA-free plastic Live Blue water cup

- A navy blue stainless steel Live Blue water bottle

Visit the Aquarium Gift Shop to find these and many other holiday gifts.

subscribe



Friday, December 18, 2009

Behind-The-Scenes Videos

Do not miss these amazing videos that recently appeared on the Aquarium's blogs.

Rescued sea turtle getting fluids



Myrtle the turtle kicks off the holiday season with a feast


Baranov, a Northern fur seal, making a racket

subscribe



Wednesday, June 10, 2009

June 2009

Opening July 1!

Marine Mammals in Motion
Thanks to the generosity of the New Balance Foundation, the Aquarium will open a brand-new signature exhibit July 1! The New Balance Foundation Marine Mammal Center is a naturally lit, open-air exhibit that gives visitors a front-row seat to see northern fur seals in action. In addition to photo opportunities with the life-size fur seal statue and marine mammal silhouettes, the exhibit features interactive panels that allow visitors to touch fur seal teeth and see an underwater image through their eyes. The entire experience centers on the expanded northern fur seal pool, where visitors can witness these amazing animals in action.

The new enclosure gives these sleek animals plenty of room to gallop and swim and offers a shallow pool for midsummer lounging and speedy surface skimming. Thanks to the tiered seating, seal fans can get a good view of all these behaviors.

Make sure to pick up a Move It! guide upon arrival to follow Marine Mammals in Motion and discover how humans and marine mammals stay active and healthy.





Star Trek: The IMAX Experience

Star Trek

Boldly go where no one has gone before when the Aquarium's Simons IMAX Theatre presents Star Trek: The IMAX Experience. The power of IMAX transports the audience onboard the U.S.S. Enterprise to experience the film's nonstop action and mind-blowing visual effects on New England's largest screen. Through this immersive experience, follow the incredible story of a young crew's maiden voyage onboard the most advanced starship ever created. An unlikely partnership of two rivals must stop an evil being whose mission of vengeance threatens all mankind.






The Value of Membership

With all of us watching our expenses more closely than ever, membership has never been a better value! As a reminder, here are just some of the great savings that only a New England Aquarium membership can provide:

  • Unlimited, express admission. Don't wait in lines!

  • Discounts at several local garages, including the Harbor Garage adjacent to the Aquarium

  • 10% off all your purchases at the Gift Shop and the Harbor View Café

  • Discounts every time you purchase tickets for an IMAX film or one of our Whale Watch cruises, as well as complimentary passes with certain levels of membership

  • Discounted pricing on all educational programs at the Aquarium

No matter what level of membership you decide is best for you and your family, you will always receive discounted Aquarium admission for additional members of your party who need to purchase tickets.

Along with the substantial savings, you'll also receive the benefits of members-only event invitations, subscriptions to our e-newsletter and blue magazine, and much more! Join today--your membership supports the mission of the New England Aquarium and provides you with a summer of fun.




The Reef Summer Splash




Protecting the Blue Planet

A special thank you goes out to all the ocean protectors who volunteered at the Aquarium's local beach clean-ups during World Oceans Day weekend. The turnout was incredible, and nearly 100 volunteers spent the morning enjoying the sunshine and clearing Carson, Wollaston and Revere beaches of trash and debris.

Future Ocean Protectors

Photo: Future ocean protectors Jaedyn, left, and Amelia cleaned up Carson Beach. "They are thorough green girls and had a wonderful experience putting their energy where their mouths are and cleaning up the beach," said Amelia's mom, Tricia.




Make a Gift Today

Please consider making a charitable contribution to the New England Aquarium. We rely on our generous donors to contribute more than 30% of our operating budget. These funds support the educational, conservation and research programs that make the New England Aquarium a leader both locally and globally. We need your support now more than ever. Gifts of any size make a difference!

Please make a donation online today!



Now Playing at the Simons IMAX Theatre

New! Under the Sea

Wild Ocean 3D

Dolphins and Whales 3D: Tribes of the Ocean

Van Gogh: Brush with Genius




Dive in to These Family Programs

View the complete calendar of events online.

Aqua Kids Family Day

Due to its popularity, Aqua Kids Family Day will now be held every Friday morning from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Curious George Discovery Corner. Created especially for families with young children, the program's stories, games and art projects focus on your favorite aquatic animals.

Rainbow Ocean Play Group
Ages 2 to 5
Spend your summer Saturdays exploring the ocean one color at a time! Sessions include free play, circle time with songs, stories and activities, art projects and games.

Aquarium Birthday Parties
Celebrate your beach baby's summer birthday by getting up close with ocean animals! Aquarium birthday parties are available exclusively to members. Book a Summer Splash birthday party and receive a discount.




Toddler with vegetablesLive the Blue Lifestyle

New England's farmers' markets are now in full swing for the summer. Visit a nearby market for the freshest produce available. You'll support your local economy and cut down on the emissions used to transport fruits and vegetables long distances. Farmers' markets are also a great way to teach kids about nutrition and include them in the kitchen. To find a farmers' market near you, visit localharvest.org.

Massachusetts residents can also visit massfarmersmarkets.org, which will send email reminders of upcoming events.




Marine World in the News

Sea Horse Daddies Make Splash
Teen Summer Job Hunt
Yellow Lobster with a Side of Intrigue
Volunteers Clean South Boston Beaches


subscribe



Thursday, May 14, 2009

May 2009

Giant Ocean TankTime for a Big Finish

Vote through Sunday!

There are only four more days of voting left in this year's "Partners in Preservation" grant contest, and we need your help. If the Aquarium gets the most votes, we will receive a $100,000 grant to restore the building's interior concrete to its original finish.

Please vote online every day until this Sunday, May 17. Voting is easy, and with just a few seconds of effort, you can have a big impact on the Aquarium's future!

Learn more about the Aquarium's Partners in Preservation effort. Vote every day on the Partners in Preservation page.








Celebrate World Oceans Day with the Aquarium

June 6-7, 2009


girls cleaning up beach

The world's oceans need our help! Protect the blue planet and promote ocean conservation with the New England Aquarium during our weekend-long World Oceans Day celebration. On Saturday, June 6, volunteer at one of our beach clean-ups, then visit us at Central Wharf on Sunday, June 7, for a World Oceans Day celebration on our plaza. Bring the family—it's a great way to help clean up our local beaches, raise awareness for ocean conservation and meet others who share your passion for the ocean and the magnificent creatures who inhabit it!


Beach Clean-Up: Saturday, June 6, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Carson Beach, South Boston
Wollaston Beach, Quincy
Revere Beach, Revere
Sign up now
.

World Oceans Day Festival: June 7, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
New England Aquarium Plaza




Let's Go to the Movies

Van Gogh: Brush with Genius



Super-size your next date, family-bonding event or night out with friends by watching a film at the Simons IMAX Theatre on the largest screen in New England! Our current evening films offer entertainment for every type of viewer, and members save $2 on adult and child IMAX film ticket.

For the art critic: Van Gogh: Brush with Genius

For the action aficionado: The Dark Knight: The IMAX Experience

For the rock-and-roller: U23D







Reserve Your Spot!


Celebrate Seafood Dinner Series

Join us for a gourmet evening of sustainable seafood. Each dinner features a delicious three-course meal paired with wine and fun and informative cooking demonstrations by Aquarium and special guest chefs. The event takes place in the Aquarium's Harbor View Cafe. Cost is $65 for members, $75 for non-members.

Next dinner:

June 23, with Special Guest Dan Enos of the Oceanaire Restaurant, highlighting crayfish, mahimahi and golden tilefish





How Does Your Garden Grow?


Earth-friendly gardening

New England certainly had its share of April showers this year, so hopefully your May flowers are currently in bloom. Your lawn and garden may be awash in beautiful colors, but how blue are they? Thegreenguide.com, produced by National Geographic, offers an entire section on how to make your lawn and garden more eco-friendly. Pesticides and fertilizers often end up as runoff in our lakes and oceans, so keep our blue planet in mind and read their section on organic lawn care.




Happy Mother's Day, Right Whales!


Right whale mothers and calves

Endangered Right Whales Smash Birth Record

For decades, North Atlantic right whales have remained among the most endangered whales in the world, due in part to their very low reproductive rates. The entire population numbers less than 400 whales, and only a single calf was born in 2000. However, the recently concluded 2009 calving season saw a record 39 baby right whales born off the Florida and Georgia coasts. The old record of 31 was beaten by more than 25 percent!

This year's baby boom is to be celebrated, but North Atlantic right whales still have a very long road to recovery. New England Aquarium right whale scientists have been studying right whales and working toward their protection for more than 30 years.

Learn more about the Aquarium's right whale research.




Special Workshop for Educators

On the Waterfront: Integrating Science Standards through Classroom and Field Investigations

Monday, July 17 - Saturday, August 1

Educators, register now for this intensive, 6-day workshop that offers content background in ocean science and hands-on practice in inquiry-based activities adhering to state curriculum framework. Special emphasis will be placed on linking science and literacy through inquiry and scientific investigations. This workshop is most appropriate for 3rd through 8th grade teachers, and informal educators are welcome to apply. For more information, contact the Teacher Resource Center at trc@neaq.org.




Make a Gift Today

Please consider making a charitable contribution to the New England Aquarium. We rely on our generous donors to contribute more than 30% of our operating budget. These funds support the educational, conservation and research programs that make the New England Aquarium a leader both locally and globally.

We need your support now more than ever. Gifts of any size make a difference! Please make a donation online today!




Now Playing at the Simons IMAX Theatre

Simons IMAX Theatre

New! Under the Sea


Wild Ocean 3D



Dolphins and Whales 3D: Tribes of the Ocean


Van Gogh: Brush with Genius



The Dark Knight






Harbor Discoveries Camps


Our popular Harbor Discoveries Camps are almost sold out, but there are still a few spots left for energetic and enthusiastic young future ocean protectors. Your camper will return home brimming with ocean knowledge, great friendships and newfound independence!


Learn more about Harbor Discoveries Camps.





May 17

Family Field Trip

Up Close with Whales


May 26

Aquarium Lecture Series

Sharks in New England: A Closer Look


May 30

Family Field Trip

Morning with Horseshoe Crabs


June 1

Aquarium Lecture Series

Trash Fish or Getting Trashed: Skates in New England Waters


June 6

Ocean Detectives

Junior Detectives: Jellies

Advanced Detectives: Marine Mammals


June 8

Aquarium Lecture Series

The Spiny Dogfish: How a Voracious Predator Affects Ecosystems in the Gulf of Maine


June 20

Family Field Trip

Boston Harbor Ecology






Marine World in the News








Wednesday, April 15, 2009

April 2009

Giant Ocean Tank
Your Vote Counts!
Help the Aquarium win a $100,000 grant.
The Aquarium is part of this year's "Partners in Preservation" grant contest. In partnership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, American Express has identified historic places throughout the metro--Boston area that reflect the region's rich and diverse cultural heritage, and we're in the top 25! If the Aquarium gets the most votes, we will get a $100,000 grant to restore the building's interior concrete to its original finish.

The contest runs until May 17, and you can vote every day. Please register and vote today--with just a few seconds of effort, you can have a big impact on the Aquarium's future!

Learn more about the Aquarium's Partners in Preservation effort.

Register and vote on the Partners in Preservation page.




April School Vacation

This April school vacation week, create memories that will last a lifetime. Use your Turtle Passport to follow the turtle trail through the Aquarium to see some of the world's most endangered turtles. Make sure you visit the patients recuperating in our newly renovated turtle hospital! While you're here, upgrade to an IMAX combo ticket for only $5 and check out our awe-inspiring IMAX films Under the Sea 3D or Van Gogh: Brush with Genius.

To maximize visitors' enjoyment time, the Aquarium is offering special extended hours and will be open from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. every day from Saturday, April 18, to Sunday, April 26. Since we are a popular destination for families, we encourage guests who want a quieter experience to visit in the morning before 11 a.m. or in the afternoon after 3 p.m. If you do encounter a line, though, don't worry! Our Educators will keep everyone entertained, and a tent will keep you dry in case of April showers.

To enjoy free, express admission to the Aquarium,become a member before your visit or upon your arrival. sea turtleMembers receive a number of great benefits, including discounts on all Aquarium programs, free IMAX passes, invitations to special events and much more!

Plan your visit and buy your tickets online.

As summer approaches, we know it's important to start thinking about how to protect ourselves from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Perhaps lobsters should, too!

Become a member today.





Let's Go to the Movies

Van Gogh: Brush with Genius
For the action aficionado: The Dark Knight: The IMAX Experience. Batman sets out to dismantle the criminal organizations that plague the streets, but he finds himself prey to the reign of chaos unleashed by the Joker. Special footage filmed with IMAX technology. Plays Fridays at 8:10 p.m.Join us for a gourmet evening of sustainable seafood. Each dinner features a delicious three-course meal paired with wine and fun and informative cooking demonstrations by Aquarium and special guest chefs. The event takes place in the Aquarium's Harbor View Cafe. Cost is $65 for members, $75 for non-members.

Baking soda makes an effective air freshener or refrigerator deodorizer. Add a half-cup to your washing machine to eliminate odors on clothing, or sprinkle it on your carpet as a deodorizer. Research has shown that UV rays can damage crustaceans' DNA and decrease their life spans. Experiments conducted at the Aquarium's lobster research facility have shown that lobsters will darken their shells when exposed to UV light, and that lobsters with little exposure to UV light have lighter shells. (It looks like lobsters can also get a tan!) Without exposure to UV light, lobsters are better able to blend into their environments by making slight color changes. Therefore, UV light is a greater factor in determining lobster color than the need to camouflage. Create an all-purpose spray cleaner by mixing one-part vinegar with four-parts water and a splash of lemon juice in a plastic spray bottle. This mixture works on kitchen counters, sinks, windows, spills on stoves and much more. For stubborn stains, allow the solution to sit for a few minutes before wiping it up.Super-size your next date, family-bonding event or night out with friends by watching a film at the Simons IMAX Theatre on the largest screen in New England! Our current evening films offer entertainment for every type of viewer, and members save $2 on adult and child IMAX film ticket.

For the art critic: Van Gogh: Brush with Genius. Relive Van Gogh's life and watch the fantastic colors and brushwork of his masterpieces spring to life before your eyes with this unique visual experience that opens up a world of unexpected, intense emotions on the giant screen. Plays every night at 7 p.m.

For the rock-and-roller: U23D. Better than the front row, even better than backstage, this incredible film puts you onstage with Bono and the rest of the band during U2's Vertigo tour. Plays Saturdays at 8:10 p.m

Don't forget to take your Simons IMAX Theatre ticket stubs to nearby Sel de la Terre to receive 15% off your meal.



Reserve Your Spot!

Sustainable Seafood DinnerCelebrate Seafood Dinner Series

Upcoming dinners:

April 21 (sold out!) , with Guest Chef BJ Salazar of Sel De La Terre, highlighting Taylor Bay scallops and barramundi

June 23, with Special Guest Dan Enos of the Oceanaire Restaurant, highlighting crayfish, mahi mahi and golden tilefish




Spring Into Blue Cleaning


Earth-friendly spring cleaning

As you prepare for spring cleaning, a void harsh chemicals and toxic irritants in your cleaning supplies. Instead, make eco-friendly cleaners using supplies you already have in your pantry.



Hydrogen peroxide is a disinfectant, an antiseptic and a natural, non-chlorine bleach. Spot-treat your clothes with hydrogen peroxide to remove stains, or add as much as a cup to your laundry to naturally brighten whites.




Spotlight on Research

By Amanda Thompson and Anita Metzler


As summer approaches, we know it's important to start thinking about how to protect ourselves from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Perhaps lobsters should, too!

Research has shown that UV rays can damage crustaceans' DNA and decrease their life spans. Experiments conducted at the Aquarium's lobster research facility have shown that lobsters will darken their shells when exposed to UV light, and that lobsters with little exposure to UV light have lighter shells. (It looks like lobsters can also get a tan!) Without exposure to UV light, lobsters are better able to blend into their environments by making slight color changes. Therefore, UV light is a greater factor in determining lobster color than the need to camouflage.


Aquarium homepage



Buy tickets online






Take a Moment

Please consider making a charitable contribution to the New England Aquarium. We rely on our generous donors to contribute more than 30% of our operating budget. These funds support the educational, conservation and research programs that make the New England Aquarium a leader both locally and globally. We need your support now more than ever. Gifts of any size make a difference!

Please make a donation online today!



Now Playing at the

Simons IMAX Theatre

Simons IMAX Theatre


New! Under the Sea


Wild Ocean 3D



Dolphins and Whales 3D: Tribes of the Ocean


Van Gogh: Brush with Genius



The Dark Knight


U2 3D




Earth Day Beach Clean-up


April 25, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Constitution Beach, East Boston


Celebrate Earth Day with the Aquarium and teach your family about the importance of protecting the planet--plus, enjoy a fun, active day on the beach! We will explore the sandy habitat of Constitution Beach and work together to clear it of garbage and debris. The Aquarium will provide bags and gloves, and we will all brainstorm future ways to keep our planet clean. There is no fee for this event, but registration is required.Earth cupped in human hands Please call 617-973-5206.






April 27

Aquarium Lecture Series

Seeing is Believing: Conservation Tourism and Saving Sea Turtles


May 2

Family Field Trip

Tidepool Trek


May 4

Aquarium Lecture Series

Linking Sea to Shore: Sea Turtles as Sentinels of Ecological Health


May 9

Ocean Detectives

Junior Detectives: Sea Turtles

Advanced Detectives: Exhibit Design


May 11

Aquarium Lecture Series

The Elusive Leatherback Sea Turtle


May 17

Family Field Trip

Up Close with Whales


Sign up now! Family Explorers: Pond and River Animals

May 5, 12,19, and 26 or May 8, 15, 22 and 29






Marine World in the News







Thursday, March 12, 2009

March 2009

Seabits




Watch! Into the Abyss


National Geographic Channel

Saturday, March 14, 9 p.m. EST


Dr. Greg Stone

At the heart of the Coral Triangle, in an area of the ocean cradled by the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia lies an abundance of life that rivals the tropical rainforests in species richness. This is the Celebes Sea, and the sunlit waters found here boast the highest biodiversity of marine species of any of the oceans light zones. But scientists suspect that the shallow parts of the Celebes Sea only hint at what might be lurking in the abyss a gorge reaching depths of over 20,000 feet below. Now, National Geographic photographer and explorer Dr. Emory Kristof and a team of scientists, including the Aquarium's own Dr. Greg Stone, attempt the first-ever descent into this mysterious basin. But is this really a place that spawns bizarre new life, or will the forbidding expanse prove barren and empty? Watch Into the Abyss to travel with Dr. Stone and the rest of the team, in the hopes of learning the truth about this Crucible of Life.


Before the special airs, you can follow the journey day-by-day by reading the expedition's blog, Exploring the Inner Space of the Celebes Sea.






This Octopus Thinks Inside the Box


The octopus is known to be smart, strong and flexible, but Truman, a one-and-a-half-year-old octopus at the Aquarium, surprised and impressed staff and visitors by squeezing his seven-foot-long body into a 14-inch box in pursuit of a tasty treat!



Truman's caretaker had come up with what was supposed to be a typical feeding session designed to keep Truman active and challenged. He locked some crabs in a small clear cube and placed it into a larger cube in Truman's tank, intending for Truman to release both locks. Instead, the impatiently hungry octopus squeezed his eight muscular legs and large head through a two-inch hole in the exterior box! Truman then worked to undo the latch on the smaller cube and, triumphant, enjoyed his lunch.



Truman the ocopus inside of a box

Watch a slideshow of this remarkable event; it's the first time this behavior has ever been witnessed and photographed at the Aquarium!


Learn more about the giant Pacific octopus, then plan a visit to come see Truman in action.








U2 3D

St. Patrick's Day, Aquarium-Style


You might have grown up listening to old-time Irish bands on St. Patrick's Day, but in 2009 the only way to show off that Irish pride is by getting up-close and personal with U2. Since it's a little too late to book Bono for a private concert, the next best thing is U2 3D, which puts you right on stage with U2 during their Vertigo tour. For anyone who's Irish--and everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day--the only way to celebrate the holiday's festivities is to rock along to music by the world's favorite Irish band while watching them on the largest screen in New England. The film's 3D graphics are so realistic that you stand face-to-face with the band as drum sticks, guitars and Bono's signature sunglasses appear close enough to touch. The Aquarium's Simons IMAX Theatre even serves beer.


U2 3D plays Saturdays at 7 p.m.










Get Down:2:Earth


April 3-5, 2009

Hynes Convention Center, Boston


Find out how to incorporate Earth-friendly products and actions into your life at Down:2:Earth, a marketplace for eco-friendly products, a public stage for community initiatives, and a sustainability education forum. Visit the Aquarium's booth for blue lifestyle tips, including how to make ocean-friendly seafood choices. Plus, you can enter to win a free Aquarium membership, harbor seal training session or behind-the-scenes tour! Stop by Saturday around 2 p.m. to catch a sustainable seafood cooking demonstration by our expert chefs, and make sure to try out some food samples from local restaurants, including the Aquarium, at the Local Bites Preview Party on Friday night. (Proceeds support the Aquarium's Sustainable Seafood Program!)








@NEAq.org


Blondie the lumpfish

Sit, Lumpfish, Sit!

Our trainers have Blondie, a lumpfish, jumping through hoops to get a snack--literally! Watch Blondie do spins, push a lightweight ball around a tank and swim through hoops on the Marine Mammal Blog.



Sea Turtles: SVU

Orion, one of the endangered Kemp's ridley sea turtles that stranded on Cape Cod last winter, is responding well to treatment at the Aquarium's Sea Turtle Recovery Room, but one of his lungs recently showed signs of an infection. Check out Orion's X-rays, get a peek at his lungs and watch our veterinary staff guide him back to health on the Sea Turtle Rescue Blog.










Spotlight on Research


Right Whales and Calves

The Aquarium's Right Whale Research Team has had an incredibly busy season, which is both the good news and the bad. The team is seeing a record-breaking number of moms and calves swimming in the southeastern U.S. birthing grounds. However, the survey teams have documented five newly entangled whales carrying fixed-fishing rope from as far away as Canada. This is the highest number of serious entanglements documented in such a short period of time, and this development is truly alarming for the right whale population.


Keep up the Right Whale Team in the news:

Searching for Right Whales (Plane, Boat, Land), NBC Nightly News

Spotting Endangered Species from the Skies, CNN








Take a Moment



Please consider making a charitable contribution to the New England Aquarium. We rely on our generous donors to contribute more than 30% of our operating budget. These funds support the educational, conservation and research programs that make the New England Aquarium a leader both locally and globally. We need your support now more than ever. Gifts of any size make a difference!


Please make a donation online today!







Simons IMAX Theatre


Now Playing at the Simons IMAX Theatre


New! Under the Sea


Wild Ocean 3D



Dolphins and Whales 3D: Tribes of the Ocean



The Dark Knight


U2 3D







Dinner and a Movie

Van Gogh: Brush with Genius artwork

Love is in the air this spring, and the Aquarium wants to make sure the perfect date night doesn't empty your wallet. Enjoy an evening of culture, entertainment and great food, all at a great price. Watch our newest IMAX film, Van Gogh: Brush with Genius, and discover the passionate brushwork of a great genius as it comes to life before your eyes. Then, show your Simons IMAX Theatre ticket stubs at conveniently located Sel de la Terre to receive 15 percent off your total bill.


Van Gogh opens April 1 and will play at every night at 7 p.m.







Dive Deeper


March 14

Ocean Detectives

Junior Detectives: Seals

Advanced Detectives: Sensational Seaweed


March 30

Aquarium Lecture Series

The Causes and Consequences of Coral Decline and Some Potentially Encouraging Trends


April 4

Ocean Detectives

Junior Detectives: Sharks

Advanced Detectives: Lobsters


April 5

Ocean Detectives

Squid Dissection


April 6

Aquarium Lecture Series

Coral Reefs


April 13

Aquarium Lecture Series

Coral Reefs


April 18

Earth Day Celebration Beach Cleanup







Marine World in the News