New England Aquarium

The New England Aquarium is a major aquarium located in the city of Boston, Massachusetts.

The aquarium features several major exhibits along with a number of minor exhibits.

Located in the central open atrium of main building, the principal feature of the aquarium is the Giant Ocean Tank, a cylindrical 800,000 gallon tank simulating a 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 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 stream environment
• An electric eel
• A demonstration of rheotaxis
• A demonstration of bioluminescent fish
• An octopus
• Several Nautiluses
• Several tanks of small tropical fish
• A tide pool petting zoo

Just outside the aquarium is a harbor seal exhibit. Moored on Boston Harbor adjacent to the aquarium buildings is the barge Discovery. This barge houses the aquarium's sea lion shows, although these are expected to be discontinued in the near future.

A recent expansion to the aquarium is an additional building housing a 3-D Imax theatre and a cafeteria.

The aquarium staff often participates in rescue efforts for stranded sea mammals.

Location of the aquarium

The New England Aquarium is located on Aquarium Wharf along Atlantic Avenue in Boston. 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.

External links

• New England Aquarium home page