Vancouver Aquarium Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Vancouver Aquarium - Essay Example The about 9,000 square meters aquarium has different galleries for its (Vancouver Aquarium, 2014). Officially referred to as the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre, this public aquarium is renowned for marine animal rehabilitation, conservation and research. It is credited for being among the first facilities that incorporated professionalism in its galleries for the interpretation of animal behaviors. Vancouver Aquarium is open to visitors all year round. Tourists from around the world tour the facility to see the aquatic life. Other than tourists, the aquarium has been a key attraction site for environmentalists seeking to study the aquatic life. In 2009, the US Environmental Protection Agency designated Vancouver Aquarium as its coastal learning center, aimed at strengthening the US/Canadian partnership in restoring and also protecting the shared ocean resources. According to the Vancouver Aquarium (2014), since the inception of the aquarium in 1956, over 35 million visitors have been to the aquarium. The City of Vancouver, which owns Vancouver Aquarium, rents it out for $40,000 per year. This public aquarium is self-supporting and non-profit making as indicated in its mission statement (Vancouver Aquarium, 2014). Retail operations, food services, membership, admissions and various community programs contribute to about 81% of Vancouver Aquarium’s operating budget. The facility draws the remainder of its financing from donations, charitable contributions, and restricted grants. For instance, in 2010, Premier Gordon Campbell and Prime Minister Stephen Harper together donated $15 million for the expansion of the facility and upgrade of its infrastructure. In 2012, its lead community partner, Teck, donated $12 million to the facility.