The Baltimore Aquarium, located in the heart of the Inner Harbor in Baltimore, Maryland, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. With over 20,000 animals representing more than 700 species, the aquarium is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in marine life. But have you ever wondered just how big the Baltimore Aquarium is? From its massive tanks to its sprawling exhibits, the aquarium is a behemoth of a facility that is home to an incredible array of marine animals.
The Size of the Aquarium
The Baltimore Aquarium covers an area of approximately 280,000 square feet, making it one of the largest aquariums in the country. The facility is divided into several different exhibits, each showcasing a unique aspect of marine life. From the shallow waters of the Chesapeake Bay to the deep-sea trenches of the ocean, the aquarium offers a glimpse into the incredible diversity of marine life.
The Main Exhibit Hall
The main exhibit hall is the heart of the aquarium, featuring a series of large tanks that showcase a variety of marine animals. The hall is divided into several different sections, each with its own unique theme and exhibit. Some of the highlights of the main exhibit hall include:
- The Shark Tank: This massive tank is home to a variety of shark species, including the sand tiger shark and the nurse shark.
- The Sea Turtle Exhibit: This exhibit features a large tank filled with sea turtles, as well as a touch pool where visitors can get up close and personal with these gentle creatures.
- The Fish and Invertebrates Exhibit: This exhibit features a variety of fish and invertebrates, including colorful fish, sea stars, and sea urchins.
The Chesapeake Bay Exhibit
The Chesapeake Bay exhibit is a unique and fascinating section of the aquarium, showcasing the marine life of the Chesapeake Bay. The exhibit features a series of tanks and exhibits that highlight the importance of the bay as a habitat for a variety of marine animals. Some of the highlights of the Chesapeake Bay exhibit include:
- The Bay Tank: This large tank is home to a variety of fish and invertebrates that can be found in the Chesapeake Bay, including blue crabs, striped bass, and oysters.
- The Wetlands Exhibit: This exhibit features a series of tanks and exhibits that showcase the wetlands of the Chesapeake Bay, including mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrass beds.
- The Bay Creatures Exhibit: This exhibit features a variety of creatures that can be found in the Chesapeake Bay, including blue crabs, oysters, and horseshoe crabs.
The Deep-Sea Exhibit
The deep-sea exhibit is a fascinating section of the aquarium, showcasing the incredible diversity of marine life that can be found in the deep ocean. The exhibit features a series of tanks and exhibits that highlight the unique adaptations of deep-sea animals, including: (See Also: Are Dogs Allowed at Monterey Bay Aquarium? Insider Tips)
- The Deep-Sea Tank: This large tank is home to a variety of deep-sea animals, including anglerfish, viperfish, and giant isopods.
- The Deep-Sea Creatures Exhibit: This exhibit features a variety of deep-sea creatures, including giant squid, colossal squid, and deep-sea fish.
- The Deep-Sea Ecosystem Exhibit: This exhibit features a series of tanks and exhibits that showcase the unique ecosystems of the deep ocean, including hydrothermal vents and coral reefs.
The Size of the Animals
While the size of the aquarium itself is impressive, the size of the animals that call it home is truly awe-inspiring. From the massive sharks and rays to the tiny fish and invertebrates, the aquarium is home to a staggering array of marine animals. Some of the highlights of the aquarium’s animal collection include:
- The Sharks: The aquarium is home to a variety of shark species, including the sand tiger shark, the nurse shark, and the bonnethead shark. The largest shark in the aquarium is the sand tiger shark, which can grow up to 10 feet in length.
- The Rays: The aquarium is also home to a variety of ray species, including the southern stingray and the manta ray. The largest ray in the aquarium is the southern stingray, which can grow up to 6 feet in length.
- The Fish: The aquarium is home to a staggering array of fish species, including colorful fish, striped bass, and blue crabs. Some of the most impressive fish in the aquarium include the angelfish, the butterflyfish, and the parrotfish.
- The Invertebrates: The aquarium is also home to a variety of invertebrates, including sea stars, sea urchins, and corals. Some of the most impressive invertebrates in the aquarium include the giant isopod, the horseshoe crab, and the blue crab.
The Size of the Staff
While the size of the aquarium itself and the animals that call it home are impressive, the size of the staff is also noteworthy. The Baltimore Aquarium is home to a team of over 100 staff members, including biologists, aquarists, and educators. These dedicated professionals work tirelessly to care for the animals, maintain the exhibits, and educate visitors about the importance of marine conservation.
The Size of the Visitor Base
The Baltimore Aquarium attracts over 1.5 million visitors each year, making it one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. The aquarium’s visitor base is diverse, with visitors coming from all over the world to see the incredible array of marine animals on display. The aquarium offers a variety of educational programs and activities for visitors of all ages, including guided tours, interactive exhibits, and behind-the-scenes experiences.
Recap
In conclusion, the Baltimore Aquarium is a truly impressive facility that is home to an incredible array of marine animals. From the massive tanks to the sprawling exhibits, the aquarium is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in marine life. With its dedicated staff, impressive animal collection, and diverse visitor base, the Baltimore Aquarium is a true gem of the Inner Harbor. (See Also: How to Soften Water in Aquarium? A Simple Guide)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How big is the Baltimore Aquarium?
The Baltimore Aquarium covers an area of approximately 280,000 square feet.
Q: How many animals are in the aquarium?
The Baltimore Aquarium is home to over 20,000 animals representing more than 700 species.
Q: What is the largest animal in the aquarium?
The largest animal in the aquarium is the sand tiger shark, which can grow up to 10 feet in length.
Q: How many staff members work at the aquarium?
The Baltimore Aquarium is home to a team of over 100 staff members, including biologists, aquarists, and educators. (See Also: Is The Florida Aquarium Inside Or Outside? Discover Now)
Q: How many visitors does the aquarium attract each year?
The Baltimore Aquarium attracts over 1.5 million visitors each year.