A highlight of the changes includes a redesigned dolphin program. The existing timed, limited-access and separately priced shows will be replaced with a new format that offers every Aquarium guest all day access to the Aquarium’s dolphins and experts, including during training, play and feeding times. Physical changes will provide greater opportunities for guests to interact with the dolphins, dolphin trainers and Aquarium staff.
“We have learned from our guests that their dolphin show is a key component of their Aquarium experience, but the current platform is limited,” said John Racanelli, National Aquarium CEO. “In the past, our shows could serve only 50% of our guests on peak summer days, selling out quickly and inhibiting the rest of our visitors from enjoying all that the Aquarium has to offer. Our new Dolphin Discovery enables every visitor to spend as much time as they want – all day, if they chose – observing our dolphins and their interactions.”
Other changes to the National Aquarium include:
- Double the opportunities to interact with animals – scheduled and chance – including animal feedings and encounters, enrichment talks, and learning opportunities.
- Aqua.org, a redesigned website for both National Aquarium, Baltimore, MD and Washington, D.C. that provides more intuitive navigation, easy to access ticketing, more beautiful photography, calendars and up-to-the-minute news and intriguing facts about our animals.
- A single All-Aquarium Admission ticket that eliminates a supplemental dolphin show fee. New inclusive pricing is as follows: Adult tickets – $29.95; Children – $20.95.
“We have learned from customer feedback that what really inspires guests are interactions with our animals and experts,” said Nancy Hotchkiss, Senior Director of Visitor Experience. “These changes will improve visitor experiences and help our guests connect with us like never before!”
ABOUT THE NATIONAL AQUARIUM
The National Aquarium inspires conservation of the world’s aquatic treasures. It champions environmental initiatives by engaging with visitors, volunteers, education groups and schools to actively participate in the preservation of the world’s natural resources and living-systems. National Aquarium, in Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, MD, delivers meaningful experiences through its engaging living collections; our science-based education programs and our hands-on experiences in the field from the Chesapeake Bay to Costa Rica; and partnerships and alliances with like-minded organizations around the world. www.aqua.org