This aquarium on the
bank of the Delaware River in Camden was
formerly the New
Jersey State Aquarium, but it reopened in May 2005 after a massive
renovation and name change. It boasts all the requisite sea life,
like the playful saltwater seals and spindly spider crabs that look
like something out of an episode of
Fear Factor, but it also
includes more typical zoo-type animals, like crocodiles,
porcupines, and hippos. Speaking of fear, if you're adventurous,
you can don a wet suit and swim with Jaws in the ominous shark
realm. Actually, there's an experienced shark handler in the water
with you, and it's really quite safe.
Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
(800) 774-7394
www.auduboninstitute.org
This
New Orleans aquarium, one of the country's premier facilities,
isn't new, but fans are looking forward to its reopening sometime
this summer after it was shut down by the ravages of Hurricane
Katrina. In the meantime, you can help everyone there get back on
their feet, or fins, as the case may be, by donating to the Species
Survival Emergency Fund.
Aquarius Aquarium Institute
(559) 490-3474
www.aquariusaquarium.org
Completion isn't expected until 2011, but plans are well under way
for a gorgeous new public aquarium in Fresno,
California. The
facility, designed by Arthur Dyson, AIA, dean emeritus of the Frank
Lloyd Wright School of Architecture, will be built on 10 acres
overlooking the San Joaquin River.
Downtown Aquarium
(303) 561-4450
www.downtownaquariumdenver.com
$8 to $14
Formerly the Ocean Journey public aquarium in downtown
Denver, this