Virginia Aquarium Quarterly Member Magazine

Being closed hasn't stopped us from providing expert care for our animals and delivering educational programs to our community.

S P E C I A L E D I T I O N

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M AY 2 0 2 0

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine

Science Center’s mission is to inspire

conservation of the marine environment

through education, research and

sustainable practices.

VAQ is published by the Virginia

Aquarium & Marine Science Center

located at 717 General Booth Blvd.,

Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451.

This special edition VAQ is intended

to highlight our ongoing care of our

animals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Physical copies will not be mailed.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Ashley Marsh

COPY EDITORS

Matthew Klepeisz, Taylor Saunders

ADVISOR

Natalie Sims

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Krista Grabowski

CONTRIBUTORS

Ashton Mathney, Barb Beverage,

Colin Walker, Darlene Zimble, Hales Miller,

Jenny Hill, Judy Urwin, Julie Levans,

Karen Burns, Kelli Gallimore, Leslie

Clements, Mark Swingle, Mike Mizell,

Morgan Sherrill, Shawn Reid, Stephanae

Beamon, Suzanne Savage, Tanya Will

TABLE OF CONTENTS

On the coverAire, our red-tailed hawk, and staff are performing a routine physical exam during the Aquarium's closure.

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18 Honor Roll of Donors Thank You for your assistance during these difficult times.

Animal Feature Your backyard snake guide

What Can I Do to Help?Your support is more critical than ever

Closed but Still CaringBeing closed to the public hasn't stopped us from our commitment to our mission.

Coming Soon The new Darden Marine Animal Conservation Center

Hall of Fame Our animals' big personalities come in all shapes and sizes. 10

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CLOSED BUT STILL CARING SPECIAL EDITION

First and foremost: Thank you. Thank you for being a member. Thank you for your interest. Thank you for your support.

The familiar saying: life is a journey, not a destination, feels appropriate as I look around. What a journey we are on right now. As I sit here in my work pajamas, working from home in order to social distance from my team, 93% of the accredited zoos and aquariums worldwide, including the Virginia Aquarium, are temporarily closed to the public. However, just because our doors are closed to the public, does not mean our important work ceases.

Our daily challenge is to keep our staff healthy so we can continue to provide outstanding care to our animals. For us, this means using split schedules for our animal care teams, preventing cross-contamination, and limiting exposure to each other.

But beyond that, I feel confident speaking for our team when I say that our team and our animals miss you and your visits. The animal care staff has said Russell the crow excitedly repeats the word “hello” when anyone enters the Upland River Room and our typically shy hellbenders are out curiously wandering their exhibit during these quieter days.

All of our animal care staff are working harder than ever to make sure our animals are blissfully unaware that the world outside our walls is experiencing a crisis unlike any before.

Additionally, we are providing more online resources for you and your family. Check out our virtual lessons and fun videos on our website.

With the many months of lost earned revenues, your support is critical now more than ever. Please consider making a gift to ensure exceptional care of our resident animals.

There are challenges ahead of us, but we will persevere. We are closed, but still caring: for our animals, for our staff, for our community, and for our mission.

The animals and I look forward to seeing each of you when we reopen.

Cynthia Whitbred-Spanoulis President & CEO | Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

A note from Our President & CEO

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We wanted to share with you some of the things that our team has been working on during this closure, because we are closed, but still caring.

Our Animal Care team has been split into two teams: Team A and Team B, to maintain the highest level of care for our animals while also minimizing interactions with other people. The teams have been working shift schedules and maintaining communications with their opposite team counterparts. While we all miss our guests and members, our animals have had a very different experience since we closed. From Zula, our blue-tongued skink making exploratory trips to the Norfolk Canyon exhibit to meet some of our sharks, to Mack, our Macklott’s python, slithering over the coral decoration in the Red Sea Tunnel and saying hello to our spotted eagle rays, we have been able to share a lot of new experiences with our animals and our fans.

As the world continues to change around us, one thing is certain: the team at the Virginia Aquarium is essential and continues to come to work. In fact, if you talk to members of our team, they would have it no other way. The care and passion that everyone here has for their work is evident daily, but now more than ever.

CLOSEDBUTSTILL

By Matt Klepeisz

FEATURE

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We have tried new and different enrichment items for many of our animals, checking for new or interesting behaviors and creating some fun while they are spending time without guests.

It isn’t just our Animal Care team that has been hard at work. Behind the scenes, our Guest Services staff have been working diligently to ensure that these disruptions are not an inconvenience to our valued members.

Each active membership is being extended to compensate for the time of the closure.

It is tedious work, but Taylor and Cody are making sure you can continue to enjoy the Aquarium for your full membership period. Our Stores team has made use of the closure to begin our annual inventory early. We have also been working to find even more exciting and new inventory for when we reopen. We can’t wait for you to see it! The Education team is churning out amazing stuff, too. You’ll notice new content and free lesson plans published frequently on our Community Resources page on the Aquarium’s website. Those offerings are directly related to the hard work of this team. And, if you’re following our social media channels, you’ll see some of those very same members leading virtual

classes, Toddler Tuesdays, and more. From seal talks to STEAM programs, we have dedicated educators who want to make sure that you are staying engaged and learning during our closure.

Speaking of our social media pages, a lot of these cool things are being documented on our Facebook and Instagram pages. Check them out for new posts, videos, and interactions, including live videos where you can ask our keepers and aquarists questions about the animals we feature!

All of our other sections are still hard at work, as well. Our Development team is managing our Closed but Still Caring campaign and helping to bring in important, and mission-sustaining, gifts. Our Finance team is processing those gifts, staff paychecks, existing purchases for things like food for our animals, and more. Our Scientific Exhibits team is taking this time to improve our exhibits on the floor, making necessary fixes that could have taken weeks or pulled exhibits down. And, of course, our Life Support System team is very busy making sure that our pumps and filtration systems are working efficiently and effectively, despite the closure.

We miss everyone and can’t wait to reopen. But until then, we want to you know we may be closed, but we are still caring.

“HELLO!”

Russell the crow can't wait

to see everyone again!

Visit our Facebook & Instagram pages for

live videos, activities, and more!

Check out even more educational tools for all ages at

VirginiaAquarium.com/visit/Pages/Community-Resources.aspx

Gifts to support ongoing exceptional animal care can be made at

VirginiaAquarium.com/give/Pages/Closed-Caring.aspx

DO YOU MISS US AS MUCH AS WE MISS YOU?

@VirginiaAquarium @vaaquarium

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The only seriously venomous snakes found in Virginia are pit viper species: copperheads, cottonmouths, and timber rattlesnake. While they should be avoided, pit vipers are extremely important to the ecological health of Virginia. With proper knowledge and care, we can live peacefully with these venomous but beneficial snakes.

Several features distinguish Virginia’s pit vipers from harmless snake species. A broad, arrow-shaped head is the easiest trait seen from a safe distance. More accurate identifying characteristics require an observer to be much closer. These include elliptical, cat’s-eye pupils and a heat pit between the nostril and eye.

Pit vipers are vital for rodent control. Rodents cause billions of dollars in agricultural losses annually and are carriers of diseases and parasites that can spread to humans, pets, and livestock. By keeping the population of rodents in check, Virginia’s pit vipers provide valuable economic and public health benefits.

Though intimidating and potentially dangerous, with a bit of caution pit vipers needn’t be feared. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid areas where they live like tall grasses, woodpiles, rocky areas, and marshes. Be extra mindful after heavy rain when flood waters push them from low-lying areas. They are most active March through October but can be found basking on warm days year-round. If you spot a viper, give it space and alert others nearby. Don’t try to pick it up! Even a dead snake can still bite on reflex. If bitten, try to remain calm, call 911, and get to a hospital.

AZA

RECIPROCAL PROGRAM

NEW MEMBER-

EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT!

Visit www.AZA.org/reciprocity for program details and the most current participating facilities list. We encourage our members to call facilities prior to their visit.

Use your Virginia Aquarium Membership at over 150 other zoos &

aquariums nationwide and receive deep discounts off admission!

EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2020

Introducing the

SAY NO TO THE O!

SUNSCREEN

SUNSCREEN

SU

N

S

CR

EE

N

ANIMAL FEATURE

• Virginia’s most common venomous species.• Dark, hourglass-shaped markings along its reddish body. • Often misidentified as similarly-colored corn snakes or milk snakes.

• Olive-brown to black coloration with dark bands across the body and dark stripe behind each eye.• Distinctive cotton-white mouth readily displayed to intimidate predators.

Timber rattlesnake

• The “rattle” is a chain of loosely connected scales that grows every time the snake sheds its skin.• Ranges from tan to black, with dark chevrons on the back.

Eastern cottonmouth

Copperhead

The Snakes in Your Backyard

By Colin Walker

CHANGEOUR ACTIONS

To protect yourself and coral reefs, avoid sunscreens with Oxybenzone and Octinoxate and opt for mineral-based sunscreens instead!

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When not hunting, Komodo dragons spend

most of their time napping in toasty areas, as

seen when our two males, Sanchez and Teman

snooze on their heated logs!

Sanchez & Teman KOMODO DRAGONS

MOST LIKELY TO

FALL ASLEEP IN CLASS

If you've ever taken selfies at our Light Tower aquarium, our outgoing male loggerhead sea turtle, 25, has probably photobombed every picture!

25 | LOGGERHEAD SEA TURTLE

MOST POPULAR

Each diamondback terrapin has its own unique patterns and our female, Stache, embraces her faux facial hair with pride!

Stache DIAMONDBACK TERRAPIN

BEST MUSTACHE

If you hear a “chick a dee dee dee” or a melodious “see sue, see sue” that is our little chickadee with a mighty voice announcing his presence to everyone.

CHICAKADEE IN THE UPLAND RIVER ROOM

MOST LIKELY TO SING ABOUT HIMSELF

The Virginia Aquarium

HALL OF FAMEThe dedicated animal care staff spends their days providing food, medical care, enrichment, and training to animals large and small. With all the time they spend together, it's no wonder that they've gotten to know (and love) all the unique personalities of the animals in their care. We asked them to compile a list of the most memorable superlatives to bring you the Virginia Aquarium Hall of Fame!

FEATURE

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With her stunning pattern and coy smile, our

female zebra shark Mena awaits her knight

in shining denticles through her Species

Survival Plan!

Mena | ZEBRA SHARK

MOST LIKELY TO BE ON

THE BACHELORETTE

Shhhhh! Like most hermit crabs, Mary gets spooked by any ruckus, so she prefers to hide in her forest, within her log, within her shell.

Mary HERMIT CRAB

MOST INTROVERTED

Like Tryxie, a sand boa’s eyes and nostrils are on the top of its head so it can breathe and search for prey while the rest of the body remains hidden under the sand.

Tryxie SAND BOA CONSTRICTOR

BEST AT HIDE-N-SEEK

Whether blowing bubbles, spinning, or posing on a rock, Rudder is always looking for ways to grab the attention of guests.

Rudder HARBOR SEAL

CLASS CLOWN

If Romeo is doing a little dance with a head bob and whistling, then he is trying to show Rizzo his handsome good looks.

Romeo & Rizzo REDHEAD DUCKS

CUTEST COUPLE

Gizmo looks so cute because, like other marsupials, opossum coats have only awn hairs, an intermediate length hair that provides great insulation.

Gizmo | OPOSSUM

BEST HAIR

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DONOR SPOTLIGHT

What Can I Do to Help?By Suzanne Savage

Although the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is temporarily closed to the public, we are still providing exceptional care to our resident animals. As a non-profit organization, we rely on ticket sales, Aquarium visits, memberships, education program fees, and gifts to operate. Being closed has had a significant impact on our overall operating budget.

For the period of March 15 through June 11, the Aquarium expects to lose as much as $3.5 million in earned revenue. During this period, charitable support will help us make up the gap and be particularly impactful to our animal care and educational programming. Thank you to everyone who has stepped forward to help during this difficult time. Below are several ways that donors are helping.

Gifts may be made online at VirginiaAquarium.com/give/Pages/Closed-Caring.aspx; by calling the Development Office at 757-385-0260; or via mail to:

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation 717 General Booth Blvd., Suite 10, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Unrestrict a Restricted GiftSeveral donors have reached out and removed restrictions from gifts previously made to allow the funds to be used to support ongoing operations and the exceptional care our animals receive. Emeritus members of the board, Ned Williams and Bill Hearst, have graciously unrestricted funds to help.

Make Your Gift As PlannedIf you typically give to the Virginia Aquarium Foundation in the spring, please do so as planned. We need your support now more than ever. Trustee Bob Fort and his wife Leslie had already planned to give this spring to support environmental education and sponsor the Sensible Seafood Fest. They graciously increased their gift to $15,000 to include additional support for the Aquarium Fund.

Make an Additional Gift to the Aquarium FundSupporters of the Virginia Aquarium are making additional gifts to the Aquarium Fund to ensure exceptional care of our resident animals. Trustees Steve Snyder and Barbara Ciara showed tremendous leadership in making a second gift during this fiscal year. Others, like Eleanor and Henry Watts, supplemented their program support with another gift to the Aquarium Fund.

YOUR SUPPORT IS CRITICAL NOW MORE THAN EVER.

All gifts big and small are greatly appreciated.

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natural seawater supply for aquarium systems as well as vessel access to Rudee Inlet and the Atlantic Ocean – significant advantages for our important aquatic animal care and rehabilitation programs. The new facility represents the next level of achievement for the Aquarium and allows us to enhance research and conservation collaborations with universities, state agencies, and federal partners.

Our mission is to conserve and protect marine animals and their habitats. The Darden Marine Animal Conservation Center provides an exciting new foundation for achieving that mission.

Realization of a Dream: the Darden Marine Animal Conservation Center

By Mark Swingle

FEATURE

This story begins more than 30 years ago when the Virginia Aquarium (then the Virginia Marine Science Museum) opened its doors, planting the seed for an organization that would grow into its current conservation mission.

The Virginia Aquarium, over the years since first opening, has seen amazing growth and success, reaching millions with inspirational and educational experiences. Additionally, the Aquarium has engaged in activities supporting marine animal conservation in the mid-Atlantic region largely outside of public attention. These efforts led to the formation of the marine mammal and sea turtle Stranding Response & Research Program. From its humble beginnings, the Program is now recognized as one of the finest in the nation and has touched the lives of more than 10,000 stranded animals.

The next major chapter in the Aquarium’s story will begin later this year with the opening of the new Darden Marine Animal Conservation Center. The center is named in recognition of the generosity of the Darden Family and the Joshua P. and Elizabeth D. Darden Foundation. Construction began in 2018 and should be completed in late summer of 2020.

As we shift our focus from construction to operations of this world-class center, it is important to celebrate what this accomplishment represents. The Darden Center will be a unique facility, combining holding pools and animal care space for sea turtle and seal rehabilitation, examination rooms and laboratory space for forensic investigations of stranded animals, and office space providing logistical and technological support for Aquarium scientists. The location of the Darden Center provides direct access to a

March 2020

June 2019

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$10,000 & ABOVEBB&T BankCard ServicesHampton Roads Community FoundationThe Oceanfront Inn/Vakos FamilyMr. & Mrs. Stephen M. SnyderUnited Way of South Hampton RoadsBob & Leslie Fort

$5,000 - $9,999Capital Group Companies Charitable

FoundationMichelle & Richard CollinsDominion Energy Charitable Foundation/

Mr. Troy Lindsey Mr. & Mrs. Lee D. EntsmingerThe Fain Family Fund of the Hampton

Roads Community FoundationCraig & Sue Grube

$2,500 - $4,999Allionce Group, LLCAnonymousMr. Thomas C. BroylesSal & Maureen DaBieroR. & C. Dickerson Family Fund of the

Hampton Roads Community FoundationDr. Clarence A. HollandWiley & Marshale MitchellNorfolk Southern FoundationDaniel R. PetersonRover CruisesStihl, Inc.TC Energy Foundation

$1,000 - $2,499Atlantic Union Bank/Mr. Andrew C. HodgeBeach Municipal Federal Credit UnionThe Stanley Blaxton Foundation/

Mr. & Mrs. James M. ToddMr. & Mrs. R. Bruce BradleyThe Brock Foundation/Mrs. Joan P. BrockMr. & Mrs. David C. BurtonMs. Barbara CiaraMr. & Mrs. Robert H. DeFord, Jr.

Alicia & William DevineDouglas and Marianne Dickerson Foundation ExxonMobil FoundationMr. & Mrs. Thomas E. Fraim, Sr.Mr. & Mrs. H. Moncure GehoGEICO Philanthropic FoundationFamily of Chris & Courtney GravesMr. William A. HearstMrs. Dorcas Helfant-BrowningMr. & Mrs. Bert Henderson IVMs. Katherine M. HinesDr. & Mrs. Glenn C. Jones In honor of Ann Golpira & Zoe JonesMr. & Mrs. Kyle D. KorteEsi Waters LangstonMr. John P. MatsonThe McNicholas FamilyMs. Delceno C. Miles/The Miles AgencyMs. Sherri L. MilesElly & Richard MladickDr. & Mrs. Thomas O’HaraOtto Design + MarketingMr. & Mrs. Harry R. Purkey, Jr.Ms. Suzanne SavageBert & Missy SchmidtAudrey & John E.* Settle, Jr.Louis Snyder Foundation Fund of the

Hampton Roads Community FoundationChristopher & Cynthia SpanoulisMr. & Mrs. Robert N. TaylorKathryn & Raymond TollThe Honorable Frank W. WagnerWalmart Corporate Giving, Store #3216Eleanor & Henry WattsDrs. Kurt & Samantha WetzlerKen & Nancy WilsonDave & Karen Worrall

$500 – $999At HomeBenevity Community Impact FundCarrie S. Camp Foundation, Inc.Mr. & Mrs. Alexander W. CecilCommonwealth of Virginia CampaignKeith & Kim CurtisMr. & Mrs. M. Richard Epps

Ms. Claire Floege In honor of Tabitha Ferguson, Jasmine

Frank, Tom & Phyllis Mowery-Racz, Edith Racz, Jay Racz, Lisa Racz, Chance Thomson, & Cyndie Thomson

Thomas E. & Julie B. Fraim, Jr.Mr. William Gambrell/ Doc Taylors of Virginia Beach, LLC/ & Right Coast Foods, Inc.Norma & Dennis MeligonisMr. C. Jeffrey MooreAnne & Chris RusbuldtDan & Nancy RyanChristie Sheats & Jon MaskellMs. Kathy A. ShieldMr. Conrad ShumadineMs. Cathie J. VickDeborah & Scott WaitzerKen & Nancy Wilson

$250 - $499Altria Group, Inc.Amanda Ayala In memory of Hector “Kekoa” MelendezMichael & Beverly CampbellMr. & Mrs. William DillonCathy & Davis JohnsonMr. & Mrs. John F. MalbonCarol & Kenneth MoncayoElsie N. (Sis) and Monroe Nash Fund of the

Hampton Roads Community FoundationMr. Jack D. Neal, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Vincent R. OlivieriMr. J. Howard RodmanMerlin & Rita StatzerMr. & Mrs. Ronald SteinbergCarol & George TempleVirginia Tourism CorporationKarolyn L. Walker through the United

Way of South Hampton RoadsChristina & Lee WestnedgeKeri & Mark WhitfieldNorman Zwahlen*deceased

Honor Roll of Donors Gifts of $250 or more | July 1, 2019 – April 8, 2020 Gifts can be made at www.VirginiaAquarium.com/SaveTheOcean

The Honor Roll of Donors recognizes gifts and pledges to the Aquarium Fund. The Aquarium Fund provides vital support to help maintain exhibits and care for thousands of animals, provide educational offerings to visitors, offer outreach programs to schools, conduct research and conservation activities, and operate our nationally-recognized Stranding Response Program. For more information, please contact the Development Office at 757-385-0260.

SponsorsThank you to our events sponsors! The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation hosts three

events each year, Night at the Aquarium, Sensible Seafood Fest, and the Virginia Aquarium Golf Classic. Proceeds from these events support the Virginia Aquarium and its mission.

2019 NIGHT AT THE AQUARIUM

SMALL EXHIBIT SPONSOR $2,500

S.B. Ballard Construction Co.BB&T BDO

First Team Auto GroupHoffman Beverage Company

Moseley Architects The Port of Virginia

PRA Group, Inc Southern Trust Mortgage

VIRGINIA AQUARIUM GOLF CLASSIC

The 20th annual Virginia Aquarium Golf Classic has been rescheduled for Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at Heron Ridge

Golf Club. Thanks to Atlantic Union Bank for its title sponsorship.

SENSIBLE SEAFOOD FEST

The Sensible Seafood Fest has been rescheduled for Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at the Virginia Aquarium. Thanks

to PNC for its title sponsorship of this annual event.

CONTRIBUTORSal & Maureen DaBiero

Dixon Hughes Goodman Divaris Real Estate

LTD Hospitality Group Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC

MASA CorporationThe Old Point National Bank

Premier Events The Ruffin Foundation

Rutter Mills Waller, Todd & Sadler Architects, Inc.

WTKR Zero’s Subs

TITLE SPONSOR $15,000

Capital Group – Home of American Funds

Medium Exhibit Sponsor $5,000

Checkered Flag MEB General Contractors

Optima Health Virginia Natural Gas

The Windward Foundation

For more information on event sponsorships, contact Morgan Sherrill at 757-385-5104

or MSherrill@VirginiaAquarium.com

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A PUBLICATION OF THE VIRGINIA AQUARIUM & MARINE SCIENCE CENTER

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks & Aquariums, and World Association of Zoos & Aquariums.

CLOSEDBUTSTILL

717 GENERAL BOOTH BLVD.,

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA 23451

(757) 385-FISH

VirginiaAquarium.com

We miss you and can't wait to see you again. Please stay safe & healthy.

Even though we are closed, our team continues to provide exceptional care for our animals. We depend on admissions and memberships to pay for these mission-critical operations, and our animal care operations do not stop due to the COVID-19 situation. To make a gift, visit VirginiaAquarium.com/give/Pages/Closed-Caring.aspx