A Short History of the Vancouver Aquarium – the Little Aquarium that Changed the World

April 17, 2020
DV
ByDestination Vancouver
2 min read

The not-for-profit Vancouver Aquarium – a favourite destination for more than three generations of British Columbians, and for visitors from around the world – is facing hard times due to COVID-19. The Aquarium is at risk of permanent closure without immediate funding support.

Founded in 1956, the Vancouver Aquarium is Canada’s oldest aquarium. It had humble beginnings but has become a world leader in ocean conservation, with programs like Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup, Ocean Wise Seafood, Marine Mammal Rescue, Ocean Wise Education and Ocean Wise Research.

It’s also home to thousands of incredible ocean species including some very adorable rescued sea otters.

While the Vancouver Aquarium is closed to help stop the spread of COVID-19, animal care teams are still hard at work ensuring their 70,000 animals – from jellyfish, to frogs, to majestic sea lions – continue to receive the highest level of care.

Here are three ways to support the not-for-profit Vancouver Aquarium while they face this challenging time.

  1. Make a donation at org/SaveVA.
  1. Buy a sustainable gift from the Vancouver Aquarium Online Store!
  1. Hold a fundraiser on behalf of the Vancouver Aquarium.

Your support is otter-ly fabulous.

Vancouver Aquarium
history
COVID-19 impact
not-for-profit
British Columbia
funding support
aquarium closure