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Public Aquariums
If you are like me in Seattle, and you can't afford to travel to Belize to see tropical fish, you should visit the local Seattle aquarium. You can pretend you somewhere far away, and see wonderful fish and other aquatic life that you can't usually see in Seattle.
A public aquarium is the aquatic counterpart of a zoo, housing aquatic species for viewing. Specifically, an aquarium is a specially designed enclosure that acts as an artificial habitat for water-dwelling animals. Although most people associate an aquarium with tropical fish, aquariums can also be used to house amphibians or large marine mammals. Aquatic and semiaquatic animals, including otters and penguins, may also be kept by public aquariums.
Most modern aquariums focus on conservation issues and educating the public. For instance, many would prefer to breed animals at their facilities rather than collect them from the wild. Many aquariums also offer both offsite and onsite educational materials and programs, such as personal tours for school groups.
Public aquariums are popular attractions throughout the world and are frequently found in zoos or marine parks. Here, you can locate an aquarium accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
To become accredited by the AZA, an aquarium must pass a rigorous application and inspection process and meet or exceed the AZA's standards for animal health and welfare, fundraising, staffing, and involvement in global conservation efforts. The accreditation process is repeated once every five years.
You may also wish to view information on the Animal Welfare Information Center (AWIC), which provides information for improved animal care and use in exhibition areas such as zoos, circuses, and marine mammal parks.
Courtesy of USA.gov.
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