Aquarium Of The Americas
One of the most respected natural history establishments is the Aquarium of the Americas, which opened in 1990 in New Orleans, close to the French Quarter. The aquarium contains 530 species and it showcases marine life and animals from the American continent. It's perfect for a family day out and there is plenty to keep the kids occupied. They have their own interactive play area in Adventure Island and they are invited to feed the stingrays at feeding times. The attraction also houses an IMAX Theater.
The center is divided into different areas with themes. Caribbean Reef has a clear tunnel, measuring 30 foot long, surrounded by a big tank. The Amazon exhibit is contained within a greenhouse and is climate controlled to replicate the humid conditions of that part of the world. Specimens from the Amazon basin are on display, including piranhas and macaws. The Aquarium of the Americas also has a display that is closer to home at the Mississippi River exhibit. This is a gallery with catfish, paddlefish and a rare white alligator from the Louisiana swamp called Spots. The Gulf of Mexico section has a tank populated by sea turtles, sharks and stingrays, native to that area.
When Hurricane Katrina hit the area in 2005, it caused a lot of damage to private and public buildings. Unfortunately, the Aquarium of the Americas was one of them. Power cuts forced staff to rely on back up generators but they proved insufficient to run the life support systems within the building. The loss amounted to 10,000 fish. The aquarium re-opened in 2006 but still needs to raise funds for re-building. This is being helped by an Adopt an Animal scheme. In addition to raising much needed revenue, the scheme fosters a relationship between the local community and the Aquarium of the Americas.
Other display areas include Frogs-Beyond Green, a habitat created from orchids and other exotic plants to house poison dart frogs and milk frogs. The Aquarium of the Americas is also home to two Southern Sea Otters called Buck and Emma. The aquarium took them in when it proved impossible to return them to the wild from Monterey Bay Aquarium in California. Penguins are also on display, to the surprise of some visitors. However, these African Black-Footed and Rockhopper penguins are both examples of warm water penguins. Visitors can watch as the penguins and sea otters have their feeding times.
Summary
New Orleans is home to the Aquarium Of The Americas. It has a Caribbean Reef display, Amazon area, and local wildlife from the Mississippi River. Although severely damaged from hurricane Katrina, the aquarium is making a comback thanks to supporters all over the world. One species which can be found are African Black-Footed and Rockhopper warm water penguins.
