The New York Aquarium is the oldest continually operating aquarium in the United States, having opened in Castle Garden in Battery Park, Manhattan in 1896. Since 1957, it has been located on the boardwalk in Coney Island, Brooklyn. The aquarium is operated by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) as part of its integrated system of four zoos and one aquarium, most notably the Bronx Zoo. It is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
As part of WCS, the aquarium's mission is to save wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature.
The facility occupies 14 acres and boasts 266 species of aquatic wildlife. Its mission is to raise public awareness about issues facing the ocean and its inhabitants with special exhibits, public events and research. The New York Seascape program, based out of the aquarium, is WCS’s local conservation program designed to restore healthy populations of marine species and protect New York waters, which are vital to the area’s economic and cultural vitality.
The New York Aquarium was significantly damaged by Hurricane Sandy in October 2012, which severely flooded the facility and shut down power. A small group of WCS staff who remained onsite during the hurricane were able to save 90 percent of the animals in the collection.[11] As a result, construction on the exhibit was delayed.[12] Ocean Wonders: Sharks! ultimately broke ground in January 2014.[13] The exhibit opened on June 30, 2018, becoming the first major exhibit at the New York Aquarium to open after Hurricane Sandy.
Exhibits[]
Aquatheater[]
In our interactive show, the bonds our sea lions have with their trainers take center stage. The animals learn behaviors from them that stimulate their natural instincts and aid in their care.
Conservation Hall[]
- Cownose Rays
- Green Moray Eel
Sea Cliffs[]
- California Sea Lion
- Sea Otter
- Black-footed Penguin
- Harbor Seal
Ocean Wonders[]
- Sharks
Sharks, Rays & Turtles[]
- Sand Tiger Sharks
Animals[]
| Black-footed Penguin |
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| California Sea Lion |
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| Cownose Ray |
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| Green Moray Eel |
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| Harbor Seal |
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| Sand Tiger Shark |
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| Sea Otter |
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