The New England Aquarium is a major aquarium located in the city of Boston, Massachusetts. Located directly on the Boston waterfront, the aquarium features several major exhibits along with a number of minor exhibits.
Exhibits
Located in the central open atrium of main building, the principal feature of the aquarium is the Giant Ocean Tank, a cylindrical 200,000 gallon (750,000 l) tank simulating a Caribbean coral reef. This tank houses sharks, turtles, and many smaller reef-living fish. Open at the top, the concrete and acrylic tank is surrounded by a walkway that spirals down from the top level, offering many different views of the artificial reef.
At the bottom, the tank stands in a large, square 120,000 gallon (45,400 l) penguin exhibit, hosting several different colonies of birds. The penguin exhibit can be seen from the spiral walkway of the central tank or from elevated viewing areas that completely surround the perimeter of the tank. The penguins live in several artificial rock islands within the tank.
Surrounding the atrium are three different levels of smaller exhibits including:
A tank showing a typical New England freshwater environment
An electric eel
A demonstration of rheotaxis
A demonstration of bioluminescent fish
An octopus
Several nautiluses
Several tanks of small tropical fish
Rare sea dragons
A working animal medical center
A tide pool petting zoo
In front of the aquarium is a harbor seal exhibit. Other marine mammals, such as three Northern Fur Seals are on exhibit behind the aquarium on the harborside terrace. The New England Aquarium’s marine mammals participate in daily training sessions that are open for public viewing.
A recent expansion to the aquarium is an additional building housing a 3-D Imax theatre, gift shop, and a cafeteria.
The aquarium staff often participates in rescue efforts for stranded marine mammals and sea turtles.
Location of the aquarium
The New England Aquarium is located on Central Wharf along Atlantic Avenue in Boston and adjacent to Long Wharf. The nearest subway stop is Aquarium Station on the MBTA’s Blue Line, but the aquarium is only a short walk from the Haymarket Station on the Orange and the Green Lines. The Aquarium is located within walking distance of the North End, Government Center, and the Financial District.
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