Serving the themed entertainment community

Latest News

  • UAE’s First Cinesplash Theater Coming to Yas Waterworld
  • Mad Systems Welcomes John Biesek
  • MediaMation Announces New CEO and Partnership to Expand Global Growth
  • Application Deadline for Design of UK Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai Extended to April 30
  • Water Odyssey introduces new Massive Splash
  • Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi Grand Opening Scheduled for July 25
  • Euro Attractions Show 2018 Set to Host Largest Exhibit Space in Event History
  • Alcorn McBride Equipment Updates Meteor Crater Interactive Discovery Center
  • Home
  • Latest News
  • Online Issues
    • 2017
      • #69 – Game Changers
      • #68 Going Global: Technology on the International Stage
      • #67 – Experience Design: Many Faces Many Places
      • #66 Theatrical Influence and Convergence
    • 2016
      • #65 IAAPA 2016
      • #64 Waterpark, Zoo & Aquarium 2016
      • #63 Technology 2016
      • #62 International
      • #61 Museums and Expanding Markets
    • 2015
      • #60 – IAAPA 2015
      • #59 – Zoos/Aquaria and Waterparks 2015
      • #58 – Technology 2015
      • #57 – International 2015
      • #56 – Museums 2015
    • 2014
      • #55 – IAAPA 2014 / Tenth Anniversary
      • #54 – Waterparks, Zoos and Aquariums 2014
      • #53 – Technology 2014
      • #52 – International 2014
      • #51 – Museums 2014
    • 2013
      • #46 – Museums 2013
      • #47 – International 2013
      • #48 – Technology 2013
      • #49 – Waterparks 2013
      • #50 – IAAPA 2013
      • 2013 Wrap-Up
    • 2012
      • #45 – IAAPA & WWA Wrap-Up
      • #44 – IAAPA
      • #43 – Waterparks
      • #42 – Technology
      • #41 – International
      • #40 – Museums
  • World markets
    • Asia
    • Europe & Middle East
    • Latin America & Mexico
    • North America
  • Subscribe
  • Advertise
  • About
  • Resources
  • follow
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Linked
    • Youtube

National Aquarium Evaluates Its Future and That of Its Dolphins

May 15, 2014 Joe Kleiman Attractions, News, Zoos & Aquariums 0


National Aquarium Evaluates Its Future and That of Its Dolphins
Though we have achieved much over our first decades, we are not resting on our laurels.  To the contrary, we are embracing these changes enthusiastically as we design a future that will ensure we remain relevant to our audience of the next 30 years.” — John Racanelli, National Aquarium CEO

Baltimore, MD, USA (May 14, 2014) — The National Aquarium is taking bold strides to define its future through an ambitious, far-reaching strategic process called BLUEprint. Launched last fall, the BLUEprint process is designed to ensure a healthy future for the nonprofit institution and its animals through focus on four key areas of inquiry: the future of aquariums worldwide, reimagining the National Aquarium experience, designing a new role in the nation’s capital, and the future of dolphins at the National Aquarium.

“In the 33 years since the era of modern aquariums began here in Baltimore, our team has made quantum leaps in terms of the care we offer our animals, the science that informs our work, and the evolving role of aquariums in the nation and world,” said Bob Carter, Chair of the National Aquarium Board of Directors. “A key part of the BLUEprint inquiry is to identify the core elements of this desired future state and map out the steps we will take to attain it.”

In partnership with world-renowned design and architecture firm Studio Gang Architects and predictive intelligence company IMPACTS Research & Development, National Aquarium leaders have been working with their community and experts around the world to gain new insight and understanding that will help shape the organization’s future.

5516_10151942207461174_1287083043_n

Specifically, BLUEprint is focusing research and recommendations on the following:

The future of aquariums worldwide – Since its opening in 1981, the National Aquarium has transformed itself from an aquarium attraction with a nascent conservation program to a nationally recognized conservation organization that operates a world-class aquarium. Through BLUEprint, the Aquarium is taking the next step in pursuing its vision to change the way humanity views and cares for the ocean by identifying the core elements of this desired future state and mapping out the steps it will take to attain it.

Reimagining the National Aquarium experience – As it has evolved, the Aquarium facility has become more diffuse, with three very different exhibit experiences. Separated by water and differing exhibit approaches, these experiences have been challenging to unify. This is the central work of the BLUEprint: to weave these exciting but disparate parts together to tell a powerful story of aquatic conservation. Some of the ideas now in the concept stage include: a “perched wetland” in the slip between Piers 3 and 4 to depict the Chesapeake Bay watershed’s quintessential habitats while demonstrating what a healthy, thriving urban waterfront might be; a series of interactive exhibits that will celebrate the Chesapeake Bay and mid-Atlantic seashores, among other aquatic treasures; a more cohesive visitor pathway; public access to back-of-house zones traditionally off-exhibit, such as the animal care center, marine animal rescue facilities, veterinary lab and food preparation space; and a fresh approach that could make the bridge between the piers an exhibit experience unto itself.

Designing a new role in the nation’s capital – When the original National Aquarium in the Department of Commerce Building in Washington, D.C., closed last fall, the National Aquarium pledged to find a way to have a presence in the capital. Since then, two compelling ideas have emerged and are being explored: (1) An “ocean embassy” idea envisions a program spearheaded by the National Aquarium to bring together ocean advocates, aquarium leaders and policymakers to perform for the ocean what embassies do for nations: debate issues, promote mutual welfare, negotiate disputes and represent the interests of their constituents, and (2) potential collaborations with the Smithsonian Institution.

The future of dolphins at the National Aquarium – With a heightened understanding of the emerging science and an intimate knowledge of the eight dolphins in the National Aquarium’s care, the National Aquarium is studying and evaluating all possible options for providing them with the best possible living environment in the years ahead. A Dolphin Summit will take place at the National Aquarium later this month that brings together experts from the aquatic world to determine the feasibility of a variety of potential solutions, including designing and building a dolphin sanctuary in an ocean-side setting and exploring in detail the requirements for operating such a facility.

Over the recent months, the groundbreaking process of BLUEprint caught the attention of The New Yorker magazine, which, in its May 19 issue, features some of these ideas and concepts in a profile of Studio Gang founder Jeanne Gang.

National Aquarium Board and staff, Studio Gang, IMPACTS and other Aquarium stakeholders will be working together in the coming months to refine the elements that will be included in the final BLUEprint plan.

Share this:

  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Print
  • Google
  • Email
  • Pinterest

  • evaluations, marine mammals, national aquarium
  • tweet
Related articles
  • Design Collective and Plano-Coudon Partner with National Aquarium on New Animal Care and Rescue Center
    Design Collective and Plano-Coudon...

    0

  • National Aquarium’s Relocation of Dolphins is Facility Expansion on the Greatest of Scales
    National Aquarium’s Relocation of...

    0

  • National Aquarium Announces Plans to Relocate Dolphins to Protected Seaside Habitat
    National Aquarium Announces Plans to...

    0

  • National Aquarium to Create Model Urban Waterfront Redefining Baltimore Campus
    National Aquarium to Create Model Urban...

    0

More in this category
  • UAE’s First Cinesplash Theater Coming to Yas Waterworld
    UAE’s First Cinesplash Theater...

    Apr 24, 2018 0

  • Mad Systems Welcomes John Biesek
    Mad Systems Welcomes John Biesek

    Apr 24, 2018 0

  • MediaMation Announces New CEO and Partnership to Expand Global Growth
    MediaMation Announces New CEO and...

    Apr 24, 2018 0

  • Application Deadline for Design of UK Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai Extended to April 30
    Application Deadline for Design of UK...

    Apr 19, 2018 0


Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.




WhiteWater West

Current Issue

  • #72 – Dubai/Museums
    #72 – Dubai/Museums

    Apr 05, 2018 0

  • Issue 72 Editorials
    Issue 72 Editorials

    Apr 05, 2018 0

  • JRA: Exhibiting signs of laughter
    JRA: Exhibiting signs of laughter

    Apr 05, 2018 0

  • Dynamic Motion Rides: Flying for all
    Dynamic Motion Rides: Flying for all

    Apr 05, 2018 0

  • Liberty Science Center: To the stars
    Liberty Science Center: To the stars

    Apr 05, 2018 0

  • Dubai Expo 2020: Sustainability, mobility and opportunity
    Dubai Expo 2020: Sustainability, mobility and opportunity

    Apr 05, 2018 0

  • Dubai 2020: The Expo
    Dubai 2020: The Expo

    Apr 05, 2018 0

  • Dubai 2020: The tourist destination
    Dubai 2020: The tourist destination

    Apr 04, 2018 0

  • Talking about transformation
    Talking about transformation

    Apr 04, 2018 0

  • Loren Barrows: Alcorn’s New COO
    Loren Barrows: Alcorn’s New COO

    Apr 04, 2018 0

  • Universal Parks & Resorts: Big names in Beijing
    Universal Parks & Resorts: Big names in Beijing

    Apr 04, 2018 0

  • PGAV Destinations & zoOceanarium: Gateway to the ocean
    PGAV Destinations & zoOceanarium: Gateway to the ocean

    Apr 04, 2018 0

  • Alcorn McBride: Tech talk
    Alcorn McBride: Tech talk

    Apr 04, 2018 0

  • WhiteWater: Of Epic Proportions
    WhiteWater: Of Epic Proportions

    Apr 04, 2018 0

  • Experiencias Xcaret Group: Xenses and sensibilities
    Experiencias Xcaret Group: Xenses and sensibilities

    Apr 04, 2018 0

  • Taylor Jeffs on Goddard Group name change
    Taylor Jeffs on Goddard Group name change

    Mar 03, 2018 0

  • Anthony Esparza talks about his transition from SeaWorld
    Anthony Esparza talks about his transition from SeaWorld

    Mar 02, 2018 0

IPM Interviews

  • Loren Barrows: Alcorn’s New COO
    Loren Barrows: Alcorn’s New COO

    Apr 04, 2018 0

    An eight-year team member of Alcorn McBride, Barrows...
  • PGAV Destinations & zoOceanarium: Gateway to the ocean
    PGAV Destinations & zoOceanarium: Gateway to the ocean

    Apr 04, 2018 0

    Projected opening for the new aquarium is 2019. The annual...
  • Taylor Jeffs on Goddard Group name change
    Taylor Jeffs on Goddard Group name change

    Mar 03, 2018 0

    Taylor Jeffs speaks to InPark about The Goddard Group's...
  • Anthony Esparza talks about his transition from SeaWorld
    Anthony Esparza talks about his transition from SeaWorld

    Mar 02, 2018 0

    "I brought a creative spirit that connected people, and an...
  • Dubai Entertainment, Amusement and Leisure Show: DEAL Makers
    Dubai Entertainment, Amusement and Leisure Show: DEAL

    Feb 14, 2018 0

    In April 2018, the Dubai Entertainment, Amusement and...
  • PGAV: The Power of “We”
    PGAV: The Power of “We”

    Feb 13, 2018 0

    Team culture is basic to the company culture of PGAV...
  • Efteling: Magic Castle
    Efteling: Magic Castle

    Feb 13, 2018 0

    "What the fantasy does to its surroundings and what it does...
  • Joe Fox: Everyday Joe
    Joe Fox: Everyday Joe

    Feb 13, 2018 0

    Joe Fox has been a familiar face behind the scenes at TEA...
  • MOTIONGATE Dubai: Dreams in motion
    MOTIONGATE Dubai: Dreams in motion

    Feb 13, 2018 0

    The DreamWorks zone lets guests choose between four highly...
  • TEA Summit: Lessons of collaboration
    TEA Summit: Lessons of collaboration

    Feb 13, 2018 0

    We asked each of the conference chairs to share a taste of...
  • JRA’s Clara Rice on the company’s 30th anniversary
    JRA’s Clara Rice on the company’s 30th...

    Dec 04, 2017 0

    JRA Director of Communications Clara Rice speaks about the...
  • Leader of the pack: IAAPA
    Leader of the pack: IAAPA

    Nov 06, 2017 0

    "I – quite frankly – want to make a difference and give...
  • Recipe for a dark ride: Jora Vision
    Recipe for a dark ride: Jora Vision

    Nov 06, 2017 0

    Today, designing and building dark rides has become one of...
  • Year of the Dog: Peanuts and Cedar Fair
    Year of the Dog: Peanuts and Cedar Fair

    Oct 24, 2017 0

    As a family-friendly IP, Peanuts offers just about...
  • PIXOMONDO’s David Garber on The 5 Spot
    PIXOMONDO’s David Garber on The 5 Spot

    Sep 05, 2017 0

    InPark speaks with PIXOMONDO's David Garber on specialty...
  • Uniquely European
    Uniquely European

    Aug 27, 2017 0

    The close relationship between vendor and client has helped...
  • Dubai Parks and Resorts: Operationally speaking
    Dubai Parks and Resorts: Operationally speaking

    Aug 27, 2017 0

    "We partnered with leading studios to create a unique...
  • IAAPA rolls out welcome mat in Berlin
    IAAPA rolls out welcome mat in Berlin

    Aug 09, 2017 0

    InPark speaks with Karen Staley, IAAPA Senior Vice...
  • The Integration of Things: InPark goes to InfoComm
    The Integration of Things: InPark goes to InfoComm

    Jul 31, 2017 0

    We put on our themed entertainment goggles and plunged into...
  • IAAPA leadership speaks out during AAE 2017
    IAAPA leadership speaks out during AAE 2017

    Jun 28, 2017 0

    PHOTO: June Ko, Paul Noland, and Wuthichai Luangamornlert...
  • IPM EXCLUSIVE: Interview with AECOM’s Brian Sands and Chris Yoshii on the 2016 Theme Index
    IPM EXCLUSIVE: Interview with AECOM’s Brian Sands and...

    Jun 12, 2017 0

    Ultimately, for a park to be successful, it must analyze...
  • Vekoma: Heavy Metal
    Vekoma: Heavy Metal

    May 30, 2017 0

    "There will always be parks that want to aim for records,...
  • Six Flags: Behind the headsets
    Six Flags: Behind the headsets

    May 30, 2017 0

    Last year, Six Flags began redefining the coaster...
  • Pirates, Treasure & WDI’s Luc Mayrand
    Pirates, Treasure & WDI’s Luc Mayrand

    May 30, 2017 0

    InPark Editor Martin Palicki sat down with Luc at the 2017...
  • CharacterZ: Costumed Entertainment on the Big Screen
    CharacterZ: Costumed Entertainment on the Big Screen

    Apr 17, 2017 0

    “Working in the industry can be dysfunctional at times,...
PLN5165_IAAPA_ORLANDO_BANNERS_INPARK_160X600

Categories

  • IPM Interviews
  • Theme Parks
  • Museums
  • Water Parks
  • Attractions
    • Haunts
    • Zoos & Aquariums
  • World markets
    • Asia
    • Europe & Middle East
    • Latin America & Mexico
    • North America
  • Technology & Media
  • Business
    • Events
    • People
  • World Expos

InPark Magazine

2349 E Ohio Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53207 USA
262.412.7107
mpalicki@inparkmagazine.com

Copyright 2015 InPark Magazine / All rights reserved
Press f for fullscreen.
loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.