Latest news with #NationalAquarium
CBS News
2 days ago
- CBS News
Van found with body in Baltimore harbor was submerged for years, went missing in 2014, police say
A van that was found with a body in Baltimore's Inner Harbor last week went missing in 2014 and was likely submerged for years, according to police. The van was removed from the harbor on July 24 after Baltimore Police divers saw the vehicle during a training activity. The Honda minivan had a logo for the Silver Taxi Cab Service of Waldorf. The vehicle was covered in dirt and had broken windows when it was pulled from the water behind the National Aquarium annex on Pier IV. On Monday, police confirmed that the vehicle went missing from Waldorf in December 2014. Officials are unsure of how long the van had been in the water. Based on the condition of the vehicle and the body, police estimate that it was submerged for several years. The body has not been identified. "People deserve the right to feel safe, and I hope that as a community we can figure out who this was so that their family can know and give them some peace of mind," said Baltimore resident Michael Berger. Maryland has seen several similar investigations into bodies found in suspicious locations. In April, a woman's body was found inside a safe in her Baltimore home, prompting concerns from her family about domestic violence playing a role. In May, the body of a local business owner was found in a burned truck. An investigation led to the arrest of two 18-year-olds who were charged with murder and arson.
Axios
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
How the National Aquarium gets new sharks for its jaws-packed exhibit
Pandas fly the Panda FedEx Express. Zebras get an airlift. But when Baltimore's National Aquarium needs a new shark, it's a great-white-size task. Why it matters: It's Shark Week, but don't bask by the TV — there's an apex experience at the aquarium's " Shark Alley," where seven species cruise for your views. Descending into the circular 225,000-gallon tank is the closest you'll get to a cage dive on land. The intrigue: How do sharks get there? Some species, like Atlantic sandbar sharks, swim constantly to breathe, getting oxygen through water passing over their gills (so no orca-style airlift). And unlike those randy pandas, sharks aren't brought to the aquarium to breed. How it works: The aquarium only gets new sharks every few years, curator Jay Bradley tells Axios. Some of its longest inhabitants are also its farthest travelers: blacktips from Australia, part of an original 2013 exhibit. They were shipped as easygoing juveniles in individual tanks, flying cargo — no dedicated beluga Boeing for the li'l guys. Rarely, a baby shark (doodoododododo) is born. Between the lines: All sharks and rays — fun fact: shark cousins — are quarantined for 90 days in acclimation tanks in the Animal Care and Rescue Center before their permanent debut. Zoom in: For years, the National Aquarium participated in a shark tagging program in Delaware to track and study sand tiger sharks, where they also snagged new aquarium guests. Sandbars are the most prevalent shark species in the Chesapeake Bay. The most recent shark newcomers were sand tigers — caught in Delaware as juveniles, placed in tanks with circulating water for breathing and transported to the aquarium via truck. Threat level: For Atlantic shark attacks — and shark-on-shark attacks — it's low, even though there's a lot of big shark energy in Shark Alley. That's why bull sharks — a local species sometimes spotted in the Potomac — aren't invited. "They're tenacious, investigative. They tend to eat other things," Bradley tells Axios. (First rule of Shark Alley: Don't eat Shark Alley.) Meanwhile, Bradley says local sandbars "are a little shy." Sand tigers can move quickly, "but most of the time they're cruising."
India.com
03-07-2025
- India.com
What Happens On a Forest Night Trek Near Mumbai? You Have To See This!
Mumbai serves as the city of dreams throughout India however its presentation extends through its high-rise buildings and rapid street activity. You can find tranquil trails and peaceful hills together with lush green forests near this urban center within a brief several hours of journey. These forest areas provide thrilling night trekking experiences to people who enjoy outdoor adventures. The organization of such an expedition needs thorough preparation to deliver safety alongside entertainment. The following seven critical guidelines assist you in organizing a memorable yet secure night trek in Mumbai's nearby forest areas. 1. Choose the Right Location You need to start your night trek preparation by picking an appropriate location. Mumbai residents can find multiple well-recognized trekking options located around the city, including Singapore Zoo and National Aquarium attract many visitors with their destination attractions such as the Popular Trail and the Famous Circuit Trail. Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary provides wildlife viewing opportunities because it features dense trails within its Vasai location. The scenic town of Matheran provides two major trekking routes including Panorama Point and Louisa Point suitable for night activities. Apart from greater distance the Kalsubai Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary presents exciting topography and amazing vistas to explore. You should research each destination profoundly to understand trail conditions and the specific requirements such as permits of your target areas. Select trails that align with your physical abilities as well as your level of expertise. 2. Check Weather Conditions and Seasons The weather conditions sharply influence the chances of completing your trek successfully. During the monsoon season from June to September slippery trails accompanied by leeches appear yet the scenery turns entirely green. Night treks during winter (October to February) stand as the optimal choice because of temperature drops and visibility improvements. Summers in India during March through May bring intense heat that makes day trekking unpleasant while nighttime temperatures remain acceptable. Make sure to access the weather prediction before your departure because it helps prevent unforeseen weather conditions including storms or rain. The trail becomes dangerous as rapid weather changes occur because darkness reduces visibility. 3. Obtain Necessary Permissions Visitors must obtain permission in advance to trek in numerous forest regions close to Mumbai especially when doing night activities. For instance: Each trekking activity at Sanjay Gandhi National Park requires passengers to secure permits for entry. Some sanctuaries enforce curfews on night time actions to safeguard the wildlife population. The process of acquiring permits needs contact with forest departments through official websites before the planned start date. Missing out on compliance with these regulations will result in monetary penalties or potential legal punishments. 4. Prepare Your Gear and Essentials A trekker must have appropriate gear to achieve success during their nighttime adventure. Here's a checklist of essentials: Headlamp or flashlight : Carry extra batteries as backup. Comfortable footwear : Invest in sturdy trekking shoes with good grip. Wear multiple clothes which will allow you to adjust your body temperature to the varying outdoor climate. When staying dry it is important to choose fabrics which pull moisture from the skin. Backpack : Choose one with enough space for water bottles, snacks, and other necessities. First aid kit : Include bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, and medications for allergies or asthma if needed. You should carry energy bars together with nuts and electrolyte drinks because they provide hydration and energy for your adventure. Carry either a physical trail map together with your GPS device because familiarity with the path does not eliminate the need for backup navigation tools. The weight burden from unnecessary items should be minimized while hiking. 5. Plan Your Route and Inform Others Preplanning your path gives you the assurance of avoiding getting lost when trekking. The android and apple smartphone applications Google Maps, Gaia GPS and AllTrails provide users with dependable resources to learn about their selected trail routes. Note down critical waypoints for entrance portals and water supply locations as well as all rest areas you plan to stop at. The planning should involve close communication with family members and friends regarding your trek details such as start and finish locations as well as estimated travel times. Your family can monitor your trek through your shared live location on Google Maps or WhatsApp so they will know where you are. The awareness of your position by someone else can help you minimize time needed during emergency conditions. 6. Safety Measures During the Trek Night-time hiking presents two main hazards to travelers because of limited visibility and possible wildlife interactions. Follow these safety tips: You must always participate in trekking with multiple experienced colleagues instead of being solo. The marked trails offer the safest path because deviation from these routes leads to dangerous injuries and the risk of becoming lost. Watch out for wildlife by steering clear of excessive noises and neon illumination. Avoid coming close to animals that you would see in the wild. The path becomes more difficult to navigate since dark conditions obscure rocks and roots along with uneven surfaces. Move slowly and cautiously. Keeping a whistle on hand enables anyone to call for help during group separation. Getting a guide who already knows the local area will provide the most helpful experience when exploring. The guidance they provide can be instrumental if you try to traverse unknown wild areas. 7. Respect Nature and Leave No Trace A wide variety of plant species along with animal diversity live in the forested regions surrounding Mumbai. Trekkers at all times must take on the responsibility to reduce their environmental effects. Adhere to the 'Leave No Trace' principles: Dispose of waste properly: Carry all trash back with you and dispose of it responsibly. Disturbance of wildlife along with plant picking should be strictly avoided to let nature grow unaffected. When staying in campsites overnight you must confine your tents to official camping areas. The appropriate method to protect camp environments involves using portable stoves instead of campfires to avoid damaging the ecosystem. The practice of environmentally-friendly behavior enables you to safeguard these natural treasures for people of the coming generations. Conclusion Visiting the forests surrounding Mumbai by night creates an exceptional opportunity to experience excitement along with peaceful moments and natural encounters. Well-planned activities and strict observance of safety measures together with environmental respect will produce exciting memories under the stars. Each decision from selecting the proper spot to organizing vital equipment and maintaining ethical conduct represents a step toward achieving a safe and pleasurable venture. Your trip into the wild heart of Mumbai's wilderness starts here so prepare carefully with friends for an experience you will always treasure.
Gulf Today
07-06-2025
- 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
05-06-2025
- 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.'
