Media Release: Myrtle Returns to the Giant Ocean Tank

Myrtle the 550-pound turtle is among the first animals introduced to the Giant Ocean Tank as Aquarium divers begin the transfer of 2,000 animals to the newly renovated tank.

The New England Aquarium’s signature animal, Myrtle the turtle—a 550-pound green sea turtle—is back in her dazzling new home. Since last September, the Aquarium has undertaken a $17 million renovation of the Giant Ocean Tank and its surrounding spaces. The four-story, 200,000-gallon Caribbean coral reef exhibit does not officially open until July 1, but most of the construction is complete, and biologists require nearly a month to introduce the 2,000 animals of nearly 200 species to their new home. Among the first animals introduced is the nearly 90-year-old sea turtle who has long been called the queen of the Giant Ocean tank by Aquarium divers.



As you can see in the video, moving a quarter-ton reptile requires a little planning, some quiet time and heavy duty hoists. Early Tuesday morning, three Aquarium divers guided Myrtle through her temporary home in the penguin pool where she readily swam into a five-foot-by-four-foot plastic crate. The box was then lifted from the pool by an overhead mechanical hoist. After the water drained off, the turtle container was placed on the exhibit floor where the Aquarium’s two veterinarians and several biologists did a physical exam of Myrtle. She looked good and was then wheeled to an elevator by a pallet jack and brought to the top level of the Aquarium. Her crate was then linked to another ceiling hoist, which slid her sizeable mass out over the new coral reef. The box was slowly lowered into the water where two divers turned the box at an angle, and Myrtle swam out to inspect her new realm.

The reef has changed dramatically, with popping new colors, thousands of new corals and new swim paths. About half-way around on her first lap, Myrtle was greeted by an old acquaintance, a 200-pound loggerhead sea turtle named Retread. They hovered in the water and faced each other quietly, then Myrtle’s massive right front flipper reached out and tossed the smaller sea turtle aside. With that imperious and dominant gesture, Aquarium staff knew that the ancient sea turtle would be fine. Now all she needs to do is find the best nap location on the re-configured reef and train the divers to feed her on demand.

The spiral walkway around the Giant Ocean Tank is open to the public, and Aquarium staff will be adding about 50 to 100 fish per day as it steadily builds one of the most diverse and dense aquatic exhibits in the world over the next several weeks.

Here are some other videos about the Aquarium's transformation:
The very first animal moves to the newly renovated Giant Ocean Tank
Myrtle's transfer to her temporary exhibit last fall
Myrtle enjoying that temporary exhibit
Little blue penguins in their temporary home for the renovations
And the rest of the penguin colony on vacation (they'll be back by July 1!)

And look for Myrtle on the news!
Boston.com

New Movie: 'Penguins 3D' opens Friday!

Our newest IMAX film opens Friday with everyone's favorite tuxedoed birds! Penguins 3D will bring you into the thick of a penguin city, where one particular king penguin has just returned from three years at sea.  

Get your tickets today, and tune into our social networks all this week for chances to win tickets to this unbelievable journey. Be sure you're following us on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and Google+!

First, sit back and check out the scenery and stars of this beautiful, family-friendly film.



Set against a backdrop of dramatic snowy peaks and glacial crags, Penguins 3D follows a brave king penguin on the journey of a lifetime. Watch our waddling hero dodge brawling elephant seals and hungry leopard seals in an effort to find his mate amid this colony of half a million penguins. Together they battle the elements to raise a chick in one of the wildest places on Earth. Watch this breathtaking, endearing and ultimately triumphant quest unfold on the largest screen in New England at the Simons IMAX Theatre.


Soak in the scenery of a sub-Antarctic wilderness. Watch stunning king penguins, with their stark orange bills and patches of vibrant feathers, navigate a crowded beach and go to extraordinary lengths to feed their chicks. And see how our fluffy brown chick grows up before your eyes.   

The Aquarium will be premiering this spectacular film, narrated by legendary English naturalist, this week with our opening day splash on May 24. 

Now get your tickets today, and don't forget to tune into our social networks all this week for chances to win tickets. We'll be hosting contests on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and Google+!

Construction Update: The first animals return to the Giant Ocean Tank

This week marked a major step forward in the transformation of the Giant Ocean Tank. The animals are coming home! Carolina and Retread—two loggerhead sea turtles—were the very first of nearly 2,000 to make the move. Follow along on their journey from the temporary exhibit to their new home.



So, what has changed about the Giant Ocean Tank? The complex coral sculptures you see inside are completely new and will provide safe homes for more than twice the number of fishes that lived in the tank before. There are also new crystal-clear viewing windows. The top of the exhibit will reopen on July 1 with expanded presentation and exhibit spaces, a reflective ceiling dome and a ramp providing access for wheelchairs and strollers. Here's more about the scope and features of the project.

If turtles smiled, Carolina would be smiling now.

Moving the animals is one of the final stages in the Aquarium's top-to-bottom, 21st-century transformation. Over the coming weeks, aquarists will move the animals from the first level temporary exhibit to the big tank. There are even more animals behind the scenes that will be joining Carolina and Retread in this vibrant Caribbean coral reef community. All the animals will be in place and the renovation of surrounding exhibits will be completed by July 1.

Volunteer of the Month: Ellen Breslin

Every month our Volunteer Office sorts through the piles of nominations from supervisors and honors one of our volunteers for their truly stupendous efforts. Meet our Volunteer of the Month!

Every month, The Volunteer Office asks the staff members who supervise and mentor our volunteers to reflect on the previous couple of weeks and think about which volunteers went above and beyond their expectations. The supervisors attempt to sift through all of the stupendous volunteer efforts to find one to nominate for recognition as Volunteer of the Month.

Our volunteers are super stars!

The Volunteer Office then takes on the challenge to pick one volunteer to recognize out of all of the awesome individuals who work towards the Aquarium’s mission everyday. Volunteer of the Month is a coveted prize and earns the victor Aquarium-wide honor and praise (as well as a small token of appreciation from the Volunteer Office).

Per usual, this month was a difficult decision, but we think that this particular volunteer is a great representation of what the Volunteer of the Month aims to acknowledge.

So congratulations to... drum roll... Ellen Breslin!

Her supervisor, Jeremy, had this to say about Ellen:

I would like to nominate Ellen Breslin for Volunteer of the Month. This nomination is actually long overdue. Ellen started as an intern in late September 2012 and luckily for me decided to continue on as a volunteer after her commitment was up. Ellen has been a model of hard work, dedication and efficiency. She is always eager to help in any way and never shies away from a task regardless of how small, hard or disgusting it might be. Ellen has also helped me out of several occasions by coming in on non-scheduled days to help cover other volunteers who were out which has been a huge help for me.

I was also impressed, although not surprised, when I got an email from another aquarist not too long ago relating this story, '…the food prep room had been left in disarray, with dirty bins and cutting boards all about. Ellen finished her food prep and proceeded to clean all of the bins and boards, whether they were hers or not. I know it seems fairly minor, but I really appreciated it.'

It’s this consistent, high quality, 'even when she thinks no one is watching,' kind of work ethic that makes Ellen so valuable to me and the Temperate Gallery. Ellen has, in my mind, become the epitome of what we desire in an intern / volunteer (reliable, consistent, productive, and an overall pleasure to be around) and I sincerely hope that she is recognized for all her hard work and dedication.

Clearly a well-deserving individual. Ellen, we thank you for all of her hard-work and also for the 400 hours(!) you have already served in protection of the blue planet. The Aquarium is a better place because of your efforts!

Free movies at the Aquarium!

That's right, FREE! Join us on June 2 when we throw open the doors to the Simons IMAX Theatre for four free showings of our wildly popular movies—The Last Reef 3D and Penguins 3D (which opens May 24). Learn about our blue planet through some of the world's most beautiful and breathtaking animals on the largest movie screen in New England.

What: Free movies at the Aquarium!
Where: Simons IMAX Theatre, New England Aquarium
When: June 2, 2013

• 12:00 p.m. — The Last Reef 3D
• 1:00 p.m. — Penguins 3D
• 2:00 p.m. — The Last Reef 3D
• 3:00 p.m. — Penguins 3D

Set against a backdrop of dramatic snowy peaks and glacial crags, Penguins 3D follows a brave king penguin on the journey of a lifetime. Watch our waddling hero dodge brawling elephant seals and hungry leopard seals in an effort to find his mate amid a colony of  half a million penguins. Together they battle the elements to raise a chick in one of the wildest places on Earth. Watch this breathtaking, endearing and ultimately triumphant quest unfold on the largest screen in New England at the Simons IMAX Theatre.

Ride along with sharks, sea turtles and tropical fish on a cruise through the world's underwater superhighways. From Vancouver Island to Palau, coral reefs pulse with colorful ocean animals of all sizes. The Last Reef 3D is your ticket to see their homes like never before. Experience the diversity, colors and rhythms of breathtaking reefs in vibrant 3D on the largest screen in New England. You’ll discover the natural connection we share with coral habitats and learn how together we can protect our planet's cities beneath the sea.

Seats are on a first-come, first-served basis. Head to the IMAX Theatre when you arrive at the Aquarium to pick up your free movie pass. You'll also find free family-friendly activities on the Aquarium's plaza from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.—including games, hands-on learning about our blue planet and even a photo booth.

This event has been made possible through the generous support of the Lowell Institute.