Aquarium of Niagara: 60 years of inspiring people to make a difference for aquatic life

Aquarium of Niagara Press Release & Photos

The Aquarium of Niagara is proud to announce a yearlong celebration in honor of the organization’s 60th year in Niagara Falls.

Since its opening on June 12, 1965, as "The Aquarium of Niagara Falls," the facility has served as a hub for scientific discovery, environmental education, and innovation. Founded by a group of researchers and chemists as a test site for a groundbreaking formula for artificial seawater, the venue was the first inland aquarium in the world to exclusively use this new technology to maintain thriving marine exhibits.

Photo provided by the Aquarium of Niagara

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Known as "Instant Ocean," the formula revolutionized the ability to replicate complex marine environments in places far from the coast, bringing the wonders of the ocean and its inhabitants to communities that had never before had access to such experiences. The Aquarium of Niagara's success with Instant Ocean became a model for inland aquariums worldwide, and its founding president, William E. Kelley, went on to help establish public aquariums in Cleveland, and Mystic, Connecticut. Today, Instant Ocean is widely used by professionals and hobbyists worldwide.

Over the decades, the Aquarium of Niagara has demonstrated leadership in the fields of research and animal husbandry. In the early 1970s, the site collaborated with researchers at what was then known as Roswell Park Memorial Institute to provide dolphin blood samples for studies on rare human blood types, as well as horseshoe crab blood to advance research on endotoxins linked to bacterial infections in humans.

In 1987, the Aquarium of Niagara achieved another milestone when one of its seals underwent the first successful cataract surgery performed on a harbor seal.

Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 2018, the Aquarium of Niagara upholds the highest standards in animal care and is involved in collaborative conservation efforts. As the only provider of interactive educational programs focused on marine life and aquatic ecosystems in the region, the facility plays a pivotal role in fostering environmental stewardship and scientific learning.

The Aquarium of Niagara also offers a robust daily schedule of talks and presentations that engage and inform guests about the animals at the site, as well as their wild counterparts.

Last summer, the Aquarium of Niagara expanded its commitment to providing experiences that both educate and entertain with the opening of Great Lakes 360, a second building dedicated to interpreting the unique ecosystems of the Great Lakes.

Photo provided by the Aquarium of Niagara

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“As we celebrate 60 years of inspiring curiosity about the aquatic world, we are proud to have provided millions of guests with meaningful opportunities to connect with the animals in our care,” said Chad Fifer, Aquarium of Niagara president and CEO. “These moments create lasting memories and foster a deeper appreciation for our natural world, and we remain committed to empowering future generations with the knowledge, tools and passion to protect and preserve it.”

The 60th anniversary celebration will include a variety of events, pop-up exhibits, and community initiatives throughout 2025, showcasing the Aquarium of Niagara’s rich history and its continued dedication to conservation and education. In addition, the venue is introducing a special 60^th anniversary logo and releasing a downloadable list of “60 Conservation Actions”

– simple, actionable tips designed to help individuals make a positive impact on the planet.

The public is invited to lend historical memorabilia and photos to be displayed at the Aquarium of Niagara, as well as popular Niagara Falls destinations. Anyone interested in submitting an item or photograph for these displays should fill out this form.

For more information on the Aquarium of Niagara’s anniversary celebrations, visit www.aquariumofniagara.org/60thanniversary.

Photo provided by the Aquarium of Niagara

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More about the Aquarium of Niagara

The Aquarium of Niagara is a nonprofit organization and public aquarium located in Niagara Falls. As the only aquatic museum in the region, the Aquarium of Niagara serves the community as a nexus for explorative learning by celebrating natural wonders and inspiring people to make a difference for aquatic life. Its campus is comprised of two distinct buildings housing 180 different species, including several that were rescued and deemed unable to return to the wild.

The Aquarium of Niagara is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Alliance for Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, and the International Marine Mammal Trainer’s Association. For more information visit www.aquariumofniagara.org.