Aquarium celebrates 40th birthday

Story by Joshua Maloni
Photos by Larry Austin
June 9, 2005

It’s not quite pigs flying, but penguins painting is pretty impressive.

In fact, it’s a testament to just how far the Aquarium of Niagara has come in 40 years. The Niagara Falls fixture, which is built around a 100,000-gallon tank, was created in 1965 to be an operational laboratory. Then-president William E. Kelley had created an “instant ocean,” that is, synthetic water mixed with sodium chloride and nearly two-dozen other scientific ingredients to replicate an animal’s underwater environment. His work allowed visitors access to animal research and recovery.

Back then, fish, sea lions, walruses and their kind were brought in and studied. Then, as today, many were sick or injured when they arrived, and nursed back to health. Cut to 2005, and aquariums around the world are using Kelley’s formula, while thanks to dedicated and well-educated trainers, his facility’s sea creatures have advanced: hamming it up for school children, learning new tricks and even creating collectible artwork.

“We strive to create new and unique programming and exhibits,” said executive director Nancy Chapin.

Aquarium Mends Itself

The aquarium will celebrate its 40th birthday on Sunday. The milestone will be a celebration of the past – both decades ago and recent, financially lean years. With no funding from Niagara Falls or Niagara County, and less and less state money, the tourist and family attraction has had to fight to maintain stability. Corporate sponsors such as Tops and the state Department of Environmental Conservation have provided for some attractions and amenities, while aquarium staff has worked hard to generate income from gala events including “Winds, Waves and Wines” and “SEAsonings,” and used traditional fund-raising avenues to keep the hands-on lab afloat.

“The aquarium is stable – it’s certainly not in dire straits like it was years ago,” Chapin said, adding, “It always faces challenges.

“We always seek and need support from residents of New York.”

Certainly the aquarium’s reputation has withstood hard times, as evidenced by the multitude of school buses – one from as far away as Syracuse – and tour buses filling the parking lot this past week.

“The aquarium is a regular attraction,” Chapin said of the facility, which is open year-round. More than 150,000 people visit the site each year.

40th Birthday Celebration

To celebrate the aquarium’s big day, and to raise more awareness of its programs, several special events are planned for the next two weeks. They include:

•Visitors with a birthday June 12 to 19 will be admitted free with proof of birth date. All visitors will receive a discount on admission throughout the week.

•The annual “Sea Lion Stroll,” a 3.5-mile walk, takes place at 9 a.m., on Saturday, June 18. Walkers will be treated later that day to birthday cake and other light refreshments. Those pledging between $10 and $250 and up will receive a special gift.

•All visitors on Father’s Day, June 19, will receive a discount on admission.

“Forty years is quite a milestone,” Chapin said. “The aquarium is a survivor.”

The Aquarium of Niagara is located at 701 Whirlpool St., Niagara Falls. For more information on its programs, call 285-3575.

Aquarium Programs

•Sea Lion Demonstrations – In the central pool, first and second level, at 10:30 a.m., 1:30, 3 and 4:45 p.m.

•Penguin Feeding – In the first level penguin exhibit, at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

•Shark Feeding – In the first floor shark exhibit, at 11:30 a.m. every other day.

•Tidal Pool Feeding – In the first level tidal pool exhibit, at 11:30 a.m. every other day.

•Harbor Seal Sessions – In the outdoor pool, at 11 a.m. and 3:45 p.m.

•The basement “Touch Tank” filled with a variety of species. By reservation only.

Aquarium Packages

•Family Membership Package – For $45, two adults and all children under age 18 receive unlimited admission, discounts on area attractions including Six Flags Darien Lake, Martin’s Fantasy Island, Old Fort Niagara and the Buffalo Zoo, and a subscription to the aquarium newsletter.

•Aquaparent – Adopt an animal program. Sponsor an animal, contribute to its food cost and receive special gifts and keepsakes.

•Birthday parties complete with food and “Touch Tank” experience.