Science Destination: Zoo+Aquarium=ZooArium

Reported April 2007

BALTIMORE (Ivanhoe Broadcast News) -- Enter an aquarium and an underwater zoo comes alive with fish of all shapes and sizes. But if you want more than just a fish-tank view, the National Aquarium in Baltimore is home to over 16,000 different varieties of animals, for a rare visitor experience.

"In one day you can really travel around the world and see a frog that's only found in one little remote part," the aquarium's General Curator, Jack Cover, tells Ivanhoe.

One of the most toxic animals in the world -- the poison dart frog -- lives here. Its bright colors warn predators to keep away, but herpetologists learned they aren't very dangerous living inside the aquarium. In fact, Cover says dart frogs born and raised in captivity are completely non-toxic.

And if frogs aren't your thing, "Turtles are really interesting animals," says Cover. "They first appeared on the planet about 300 million years ago."

The National Aquarium in Baltimore has one of the most extensive turtle collections in the country, helping keep some of these slow movers from their biggest threat -- cars!

According to Cover, what's the best feature of this "ZooArium?" Getting an up close experience inside, without outside hassles.

"You're gonna see a lot of diversity and the best thing, you get to see them without the extreme heat and the mosquitoes that would normally be chewing you up if you were out in the wild," he says -- a wildly fun experience.

The National Aquarium in Baltimore is part of a renowned poison dart frog breeding program, supplying frogs to other zoos and aquariums. Cover says the best time of year to visit the aquarium is in the winter, and ticket prices range from about $14 to $24 depending on age.

Click here to Go Inside This Science or contact:

National Aquarium in Baltimore
501 East Pratt Street
Baltimore, Md.
(410) 576-3800
http://www.aqua.org

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From rainforests to sharks, how do over 16,000 different animals live together under one roof? Go behind-the-scenes at the National "ZooArium" in Baltimore.