Latest news with #NationalAquarium
Gulf Today
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Public flock to Abu Dhabi's beaches and parks on second day of Eid Al Adha
Residents and visitors in Abu Dhabi continued to flock to public beaches, parks, and major shopping malls on Saturday, the second day of Eid Al Adha. Malls, parks and beaches are offering a range of services including dining, shopping, and children's play areas along with joyful atmosphere for all. Many families opted to spend their time in large shopping malls, which feature international restaurants, dedicated children's play zones adhering to global safety standards, and cafes serving beverages and sweets. Additionally, most retail stores offered discounts ranging from 30% to 70% to attract Eid celebrants. Major malls in Abu Dhabi provide affordable children's entertainment, with virtual and physical games priced between Dhs12 and Dhs35. They also house cinemas, global fashion and accessory brands, and cafes where adults can relax, read, or socialise in the festive ambiance. Abu Dhabi also boasts a variety of attractions and entertainment experiences catering to diverse interests. Snow Abu Dhabi, for instance, offers an indoor snow park with 12 rides and 17 new attractions at temperatures below 2°C, providing a cool escape from the heat. For marine adventure enthusiasts, the National Aquarium Abu Dhabi offers diving experiences with over 46,000 marine animals from 300 unique species across 10 zones. Yas Kartzone is another family-friendly destination, featuring karting races for children aged 8- 12 and adults aged 13 and above, along with thrilling activities at the massive indoor Adrenark Adventure Park. Yas Island also hosted numerous cultural and entertainment events, including dazzling fireworks displays at Yas Bay Waterfront daily at 9pm during the first three days of Eid. Yas Island's theme and water parks, such as SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, celebrate Eid from June 6 to 10 with a blend of tradition and innovation. Public and private beaches in Abu Dhabi saw significant turnout, especially in the late afternoon, offering a healthy and enjoyable environment for Eid celebrations. Public beach facilities included changing rooms, showers, free water dispensers, and motorcycle teams to assist visitors. Beaches also featured volleyball nets, football areas, and activities like jet skiing and parasailing. Parks in Abu Dhabi, particularly those with barbecue areas and children's play zones, were highly popular on the second day of Eid. Families arrived early, equipped with chairs, barbecue essentials, and children's toys like footballs, to enjoy the day.
The National
6 days ago
- General
- The National
How Abu Dhabi's ban on single-use plastic bags is saving precious sea turtles
Abu Dhabi's mission to eliminate single-use plastic bags is offering a safer passage to sea turtles navigating the emirate's waters. The capital introduced its single-use plastic ban on June 1, 2022, in a major push to safeguard the environment and greatly reduce plastic pollution in the sea. The campaign has generated significant dividends, with an estimated 360 million plastic bags taken out of circulation by the end of 2024. As World Environment Day is observed on Thursday, the impact of the initiative is being felt far and wide – not least by joyous children seeing nature up close off Abu Dhabi's mangrove-lined coast. Tackling environmental scourge A group of children recently watched 20 sea turtles – 10 juveniles and 10 adults, including a rescued loggerhead – slip into the turquoise water off Saadiyat Island. 'These are endangered species,' said Lewis Cocks, curator at The National Aquarium in Abu Dhabi. 'Without anyone rescuing them they would probably perish.' The 10 adult turtles had been rehabilitated at a sanctuary area at the Louvre in Abu Dhabi. Mr Cocks and his team retrieved them from the turtle lagoon at 5am on the day of their release. The enclosure is the last stop on the rehabilitation journey for many turtles, where they experience Arabian Gulf water, sunlight and seasonal changes. Most of the juvenile turtles at the aquarium and the sanctuary are being rehabilitated for cold stunning, a condition that effects young turtles adapting to seasonal temperature changes. However, Mr Cocks says the stories of the 10 older turtles being released are linked with World Environment Day and its theme of #BeatPlasticPollution. 'Turtles – they think with their stomach, and they don't really have good eyesight so they will happily eat plastic, thinking its jellyfish,' said Mr Cocks. The event was more than symbolic. As the Abu Dhabi marks the third anniversary of its single-use plastic bag ban, the turtles return to the sea served as a stark reminder of what is at stake – and what is still to be done. Plastic ingestion is a recurring cause of distress in marine life, Mr Cocks explained. 'We see a lot of plastic. We find it inside turtles and washed up on beaches. It shows how widespread the issue is.' The National Aquarium typically releases up to 200 rehabilitated turtles each year, part of wider conservation efforts that aim to not only rescue individual animals, but to educate the public about the threats to ocean life. 'It's about instilling awareness, especially in children,' said Mr Cocks. 'We're all responsible for reducing waste, cleaning up after ourselves, and changing our behaviour.' Beyond the ban While public turtle releases grab headlines, the real work of tackling single-use plastic pollution is happening behind the scenes – and across government departments. Mr Cocks told The National that since measures have been introduced he has noticed reduction in plastic waste. Sheikha Al Mazrouei, executive director of the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi's Integrated Environment Policy and Planning Sector, spoke of the importance of winning hearts and minds. 'We launched the Abu Dhabi single-use plastic policy in 2020,' she said. 'It covers both the public and private sectors. The idea is not just to ban, but to change behaviour.' 'We want people to understand: we're not against plastic. Plastic has benefits – its lightweight, durable, it can reduce emissions during transport. But the issues is single-use plastic. These items are used for less than 10 minutes and then discarded. They stay in the environment for hundreds of years.' Beyond the plastic bag ban, the UAE's strategy extends to phasing out single-use styrofoam products – with a full ban on certain items implemented in June 2024, alongside significantly expanding its recycling systems. This includes the 2023 roll-out of more than 170 reverse vending machines across Abu Dhabi, which have collected more than 130 million plastic bottles for recycling systems. Federal regulation will take the effort further in 2026, banning an expanded list of single-use plastics. Culture shift, not crackdown The policy's success is striking not just for its scope, but for its reception. 'We haven't had to issue a single penalty,' said Ms Al Mazrouei. 'People said it would be hard – that businesses would complain, that shoppers would resist. But we took a collaborative approach: workshops, school programmes, social media campaigns. It worked.' Instead of fines, the agency relied on outreach and education, helping companies retrofit production lines and encouraging individuals to adopt reusable habits. 'When I go to the market, I take my own bag,' Ms Al Mazrouei told The National. 'It even helps me buy less.' Still confusion remains. 'People ask, 'if there is a plastic ban, why can I still get a plastic bag at the checkout?'' she said. 'The answer is those are reusable bags. You can use them many times.' Why it matters Globally, the numbers are daunting. The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) estimates that humans have produced 9.2 billion tonnes of plastic since the 1950s, with 7 billion tonnes now waste. By 2060, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) forecasts that plastic waste will nearly triple to one billion tonnes annually if current trends continue. 'Plastic pollution is one of the gravest environmental threats facing Earth,' said Elisa Tonda, the environment programme's chief of resources and markets. 'But it's a problem we can solve.' This year's World Environment Day is focused on preventing plastic waste from entering the environment – through bans, redesign and better waste systems. In the UAE, the urgency is more than theoretical. 'We eat seafood … That plastic enters our food chain, and it stays in our bodies. It's toxic. This isn't just about the environment – it's about public health,' said Ms Al Mazrouei. Looking ahead As the campaign matures, technology is becoming part of the solution. Abu Dhabi is working with the private sector to integrate artificial intelligence into its circular economy systems that encourage healthier, more sustainable habits. 'We want people to live eco-friendly but also healthy and convenient lifestyles,' Ms Al Mazrouei said. 'The environment shouldn't be seen as a sacrifice. With the right solutions, it can be a benefit.' For Mr Cocks, each turtle release is a small reminder of what the future might look like. 'They're indicators,' he said. 'If we protect their world, we're protecting our own.'
The National
6 days ago
- General
- The National
From the Louvre to the sea - turtle release in pictures
The National Aquarium team enter the waters of the Louvre Abu Dhabi's turtle sanctuary at 5am to retrieve rehabilitated animals to prepare them for release back to the sea. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Miami Herald
02-06-2025
- Miami Herald
Best aquariums in US for families
With summer on the horizon, families are no doubt already deep in their vacation planning modes. While theme parks, water parks, national parks and beaches are top draws, why not consider adding in an aquarium visit? Aquariums are great for families as they offer a unique blend of education, entertainment and opportunities for bonding. On a recent visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, it wasn't only the five-year-olds that were fascinated. Aquariums hold multigenerational appeal, teaching about marine life, ecosystems and conservation in a way that any age can understand and appreciate. Here are some of the best aquariums in the U.S., renowned for their impressive exhibits, educational programs and family-friendly experiences. Look for one close to home or one to include in your summer travels. And be sure to set aside ample time for exploration. Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta As the largest aquarium in the U.S. and one of the world's most spectacular, Georgia Aquarium boasts over 11 million gallons of water across seven major galleries. The aquarium is home to whale sharks, the largest fish in the world, manta rays, beluga whales, sea otters and African penguins. Its focus is on marine animals from icy, cold environments. But there's so much to see here, we recommend not rushing through this impressive aquarium. Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, Calif. Located in the idyllic seaside town of Monterey on Cannery Row, this has always been one of my favorites and happens to be one of the most celebrated aquariums in the world due to its groundbreaking exhibits, dedicated marine conservation works and stunning oceanfront setting. On a recent visit however, I was more than impressed by the added exhibits and upgrades offering guests a front-row seat to life above and below the abundantly blessed waters of the Pacific. Visitors will see unforgettable sea life - which includes the deep, dark undersea cavernous environment where exotic life exists - along with celebrating local creatures from the Monterey Bay environs. National Aquarium, Baltimore Transport yourself to the underwater wonders of the world. No visit to the Baltimore Harbor is complete without exploring the National Aquarium, featuring thousands of animals representing many parts of the globe, including the Amazon Rain Forest, an Australian river gorge and Indo-Pacific coral reefs. Though all these displays are impressive, don't miss the local love, a 10,000 square-foot floating wetland that mimics the Chesapeake Bay's original tidal marsh habitat. Afterward, enjoy exploring the vibrant waterfront. Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, New Orleans Situated on the Mississippi River waterfront of downtown New Orleans, the aquarium is home to thousands of marine animals, many endangered and ranging from penguins and sea otters to jellyfish and seahorses. Though many visitors don't think about visiting an aquarium while in New Orleans, you should. When it reopened in June 2023 after a massive renovation, the aquarium became the only facility in the world to house both an aquarium and an insectarium under one roof. Newport Aquarium, Newport, Ky. Who would think that Kentucky would have one of the country's best aquariums? Located just across the river from downtown Cincinnati, the aquarium houses thousands of the world's most exotic aquatic creatures. The all-new Coral Reef Tunnel is stunning, a new jellyfish exhibit has opened, and a favorite attraction is the Shark Bridge, a suspended rope bridge over a shark tank, allowing visitors to walk only inches away from sharks, rays and fish. Mermaids Cove has returned as an interactive event where guests can meet performers dressed as mermaids and touch a stingray. Mermaids will also be at Coral Reef Tunnel and a meet and greet at the Shark Ray Bay Theater. New England Aquarium, Boston Situated on Boston's Central Wharf, this renowned marine science center and aquarium has been captivating visitors since 1969. The Giant Ocean Tank lies at the heart of the aquarium, a cylindrical 200,000-gallon exhibit simulating a colorful Caribbean coral reef. The four-story tank is home to Myrtle, a beloved green sea turtle who has been a resident since 1970, along with other sea turtles, stingrays, moray eels and a variety of tropical fish. The tank also features a spiral walkway with 67 windows, allowing visitors to view the marine life from multiple angles. Other exhibits include a shark and ray touch tank, coral reef, penguin colony and the Amazon Rainforest, housing poison dart frogs, piranhas and anacondas. Maui Ocean Center, Hawaii This award-winning aquarium connects visitors with Hawaii's marine life, where you can journey through a 54-foot-long underwater tunnel surrounded by sharks, visit Turtle Lagoon with its majestic honu (sea turtles) and venture below the water's surface with life-sized koholā (humpback whales) in the mesmerizing "Humpbacks of Hawaiʻi" 3D Sphere Experience. Guests can take a ukulele lesson, discover the art of fishnet weaving and learn how to prepare traditional Hawaiian foods. Of utmost importance, the aquarium, along with the Marine Institute at Maui Ocean Center helps restore coral reefs along with rescuing and rehabilitating injured sea turtles throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago One of the most popular Chicago attractions and one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world, Shedd opened in 1930 and houses over 32,000 animals representing more than 1,500 species across five million gallons of water. Some of its most popular highlights include Amazon Rising, an 8,600-square-foot walkthrough re-creating the flooded forests of the Amazon River; Wild Reef, an impressive simulation of a Philippine coral reef and home to sharks, rays and other vibrant sea life; and the Abbott Oceanarium, the largest indoor mammal facility in the world. Birch Aquarium at Scripps, San Diego Though it's not a large aquarium, it's quite impressive. Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the aquarium serves as the public outreach for the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. Our grandchildren loved the Seadragons and Seahorses exhibit, the pint-sized penguins, the shark and ray viewing area of Blue Beach and the impressive interactive tide pool filled with sea stars, sea anemones, hermit crabs, sea cucumbers, lobsters, abalone and more. Opening on May 22, 2025, Living Seas will take guests on an unforgettable journey through the wonders of our ocean planet - from the colder waters of the Pacific Northwest and the beauty of Coastal California to the colorful reefs of the Tropical Pacific. Oregon Coast Aquarium When an aquarium celebrates its local marine ecosystems, that's a good sign. Offering immersive experiences representing the Pacific Northwest, the aquarium spans 23 acres along Yaquina Bay and is home to over 64,000 animals across 375 species. Visitors can step back to prehistoric times in Cruisin' the Fossil Coastline, watch sea lions and harbor seals play in the Pacific waters or search for a glimpse of the elusive giant Pacific octopus. One of the top features of the venue is the Seabird Aviary, housing exotic tufted puffins, common murres and rhinoceros auklets. The Florida Aquarium, Tampa Well-known for its dedication to wildlife preservation, this aquarium located in downtown Tampa's Channel District offers a fascinating look into the world's aquatic and terrestrial animals. The Mosaic Exhibit Hall features rotating sea life exhibits, while the Wetlands Trail provides an immersive journey through Florida's ecosystems, which include a mangrove forest, cypress swamp and freshwater swamp, home to alligators, otters, turtles and a free-flight aviary. Odysea Aquarium, Scottsdale, Ariz. The desert meets the ocean at Odysea Aquarium in Scottsdale, Arizona, boasting the largest aquarium in the Southwest. The state-of-the-art facility features an impressive array of sea life including sharks, otters, sea lions, penguins, sloths and more. As one of the most fascinating and immersive aquatic experiences, the OdySea Voyager features a 20-minute rotating journey through four major exhibits aboard a stadium-seating "submarine" with 46-foot viewing windows. Those looking for even more adventure can don a wetsuit and helmet and head eight feet underwater on the SeaTREK Helmet Diving encounter. _________ Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
Miami Herald
10-03-2025
- General
- Miami Herald
Thin, wounded baby seal spotted at Delaware state park, photos show. See the rescue
A baby grey seal was found in rough shape at a beach in a Delaware state park, photos show. She looked thin and had a large wound on her left side, so rescuers with the Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation Institute decided to step in to help the pup, the organization said on Facebook March 9. A photo shows the pup lying on her right side on the sand at Cape Henlopen State Park. Rescuers didn't say what might have caused the injury. 'On closer inspection, we saw a few more small wounds, and detected that she was dehydrated,' the organization said. 'Based on her injuries and body condition, she will be transported to the National Aquarium in Baltimore for long term care.' Photos show the pup looking up toward rescuers as they coaxed her into a carrier. She eventually crawled in on her own. The organization named her Cassiopeia, keeping with its tradition of naming rescued creatures after constellations, a policy the organization said was voted on by supporters. Several people shared words of encouragement for the pup in the comments. 'Poor baby,' someone wrote. 'Thank you for giving her a second chance.'
