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Flying dolphins: Adventures at the Vancouver Aquarium
When I think of aquariums that I’ve visited over the years, I think of smaller businesses that are having trouble staying afloat and keeping their animals happy, all while attempting to make a difference in the world.
The execution can be a little lackluster, but the idea—providing entertaining shows and valuable education about our planet’s animals while making a huge difference in their lives—is still a very admirable one, and the Vancouver Aquarium proves it can work.
The Vancouver Aquarium is a not-for-profit located in Vancouver's Stanley Park. Originally set up in 1956, it has grown from 9,000 sq ft to over 100,000 sq ft, and employs 385 people.
It's hard to see everything at the aquarium in just one trip. The shows alone can fill up an entire day. There are three pacific white-sided dolphins: Spinnaker, Hana and Helen. I’ve seen dolphins jumping out of the water and cruising around at amazing speeds on TV, but it’s nothing like real life. Seeing those dolphins leap six or seven metres out of the air is incredible. As soon as they're done, they head straight back to the trainers for a couple fish and more commands by sign language and whistle.
Another fantastic attraction is the 4-D movie theatre, the only 4-D theatre in BC. Small air and mist jets are placed all around the theatre to immerse viewers in the experience of the film Shallow Seas, featured during my last visit. It was actually the perfect cool-down on a hot summer day!
The best part of the whole experience is that it’s not-for-profit. Much of the money they receive goes toward research and conservation of the habitat and animals that you see at the aquarium. They’ve started great programs like Ocean Wise and the Great Canadian Shoreline cleanup, among others.
Read more about the Vancouver Aquarium, their great programs and how to get there.
- Photos & text by Ross Collicutt
