Audubon Aquarium Ranks #2 in USA Today Readers' Choice Poll

IMG_3775

The new Audubon Aquarium and the relocated Audubon Insectarium. June 8, 2023
Maya Tunnel 10.11.22-8
DSC_0871

Endangered Green Sea Turtle, Mydas Audubon Aquarium Gulf of Mexico Exhibit April 2, 2008 Mydas came to Audubon Aquarium in 1992 from the New York Aquarium. The green sea turtle is endangered and Audubon Nature Institute participates in the AZA SAFE (Saving Animals from Extinction) program for sea turtles.
Penguin
Shark Touchpool12
DSC06362

**View Only Image** For download permission, please email hstanley@auduboninstute.org with your request. Shark Discovery Audubon Aquarium Shark Discovery, the 13,000-gallon shark and ray touchpool, opened at Audubon Aquarium on Friday, July 2, 2021. The new pool measures approximately 60-feet-long by 16-feet at its widest point--six times the size of the previous stingray touchpool at the Aquarium. A massive LED screen running the entire length of the pool features a variety of sharks, rays, and fish to highlight the diversity of the ocean.

After undergoing a $41 million reimagining and renovation, Audubon Aquarium is earning recognition as one of the top aquariums in the country. Audubon Aquarium was selected as the #2 best aquarium in the U.S. by voters in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Poll.

This is the ninth year in a row that Audubon Aquarium received a coveted nomination in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Award competition. A team of professional travel experts and editors makes the nominations after researching all the nation’s aquariums, analyzing their exhibits, conservation efforts and visitor interactions.

Last year, Audubon Aquarium ranked as the fifth most popular aquarium in the country.

“This is a fantastic honor and one our team strives to achieve on a daily basis with their hard work and dedication,” said Rich Toth, Senior Vice-President and Director of Audubon’s downtown facilities. “At every turn, our team looks to showcase the animals in our care to provide unforgettable experiences and educate our guests about world’s oceans.”

Audubon Aquarium’s recently renovation included the addition of Audubon Insectarium, opening the new Life in the Gulf area to allow guests access to the top of the huge Gulf of Mexico exhibit, free-flying birds and a new Amazon Encounters area that is home to a Linnaeus two-toed sloth. Travel experts mentioned the aquarium’s shark and ray touchpool as a highlight of the facility. The 13,000-gallon exhibit allows guests to meet these fascinating creatures up close and watch images of other ocean life on a 60-foot LED screen that is part of the touchpool experience.

The ranking of Audubon Aquarium gives Audubon Nature Institute facilities a trifecta of awards in this year’s voting. Audubon Zoo was ranked #7 in the Best Zoo competition and Woldenberg Riverfront Park, which is home to Audubon Aquarium and Audubon Insectarium, was ranked #2 among the nation’s riverfront parks.