The aquarium experience inspired by the Animal Crossing: New Horizons game is expanding to a national level! After debuting at the Seattle Aquarium, the experience is hitting the road in June, and making multiple stops across the U.S. throughout the year.

Each aquarium on the tour will host themed activities and offer guests the chance to explore the wonders of aquatic life with an Animal Crossing: New Horizons twist. By taking the tour national, even more fans will have a chance to interact with some of their favorite Animal Crossing characters while learning more about the real-world animal kingdom.

Local exhibits will include:

• Animal Crossing: New Horizons photo opportunity, featuring an aquarium themed background with characters from the game.
• Themed signage throughout the aquarium will feature creature descriptions presented by Blathers with information directly from the game.
• Standees of familiar characters from the game throughout the aquarium near a wide variety of habitats.
• My Nintendo kiosks where guests can check in to receive 100 My Nintendo Platinum Points* redeemable on my.nintendo.com for exclusive digital and physical rewards.
• Plus, guests may even have the opportunity to meet-and-greet Isabelle, Tom Nook, or K.K. Slider from the Animal Crossing: New Horizons game on select days and stops!

Planned aquariums for this partnership include:

• Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (Jun. 14 to Aug. 11)
• Audubon Aquarium in New Orleans, Louisiana (Jun. 21 to Sep. 14)
• Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia (Aug. 1 to Sep. 26)
• Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport, Oregon (Aug. 26 to Oct. 20)
• New England Aquarium in Boston, Massachusetts (Sept. 21 to Dec. 14)
• SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium in Tempe, Arizona (Oct. 4 to Nov. 17)
• Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, Tennessee (Dec. 21 to Feb. 28)

Tickets for the experience are included with the cost of general admission and can be purchased from each aquarium directly. Excited and want to learn more? Head over to Nintendo.com for additional information: https://www.nintendo.com/us/events/play-events/animal-crossing-aquarium-tour/

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is available for the Nintendo Switch family of systems on Nintendo eShop and through retailers.

Note to editors: Nintendo press materials are available at https://press.nintendo.com, a password-protected site. To obtain a login, please register on the site.

*A Nintendo Account is required to receive and redeem points. Terms apply (https://accounts.nintendo.com/term_point).

The Limited-Release Seasonal Is Part of SweetWater’s On-going Partnership with Georgia Aquarium

SweetWater Brewing Company (“SweetWater Brewing” or “SweetWater”), the largest craft brewer in the Southeast and a subsidiary of Tilray Brands, Inc. (“Tilray” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: TLRY and TSX: TLRY), announced today the release of its new Hammer Red Amber Ale, the latest collaboration beer as part of its partnership with Georgia Aquarium. A portion of sales of the limited-release beer will be donated to Georgia Aquarium to support its mission of inspiring awareness and preservation of oceans and aquatic animals worldwide. Hammer Red Amber Ale is available throughout Georgia now until October 2024.

 

Inspired by Georgia Aquarium’s research initiatives, education programs and conservation efforts that benefit sharks and rays, Hammer Red Amber Ale (5.6% ABV) is brewed with Magnum, Saaz, and Cascade hops and delivers light caramel flavors, with a touch of wheat for a refreshing finish with a little bite.

 

“As one of Atlanta’s crown jewels and an important force in protecting our oceans and marine life, our partnership with Georgia Aquarium is incredibly important to SweetWater and part of our continued support for clean and healthy waterways. We also know this cause is just as important to our fans, as we saw so much support for the special-edition cans of our flagship 420 Pale Ale that were available last November, when we started this new relationship,” said Terry Hopper, VP of Sales for Tilray Beers. “Amber ales are a cornerstone style of American craft beer, and with Hammer Red Amber Ale, our brewers have created a delicious, easy-drinking beer that pairs well with a variety of foods, whether you’re grabbing a quick bite between exhibitions at Georgia Aquarium or enjoying it while grilling in the backyard.”

 

“Our continued partnership with SweetWater is a natural fit as both brands aim to support clean water and give back to the community,” said Hiroshi Okuda, senior director of strategic marketing and corporate partnerships. “We’re excited to debut Hammer Red Ale with SweetWater to showcase another amazing animal that is in need of protection.”

 

Hammer Red Amber Ale is available in six-packs of twelve-ounce cans and on draft, including at SweetWater’s Taproom. To find the beer in a store or on-premise location near you, please visit SweetWater’s Beer Finder.

Prestigious recognition highlights commitment to animal welfare and conservation initiatives.

In an important recognition of its commitment to exceptional animal welfare, conservation, and educational initiatives, Georgia Aquarium has once again been accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), the organization announced yesterday.  This prestigious accreditation underscores Georgia Aquarium’s adherence to the highest standards in the zoological community.

The Aquarium was first accredited by the AZA in 2008 and subsequently in 2013 and 2018, affirming its status as an elite institution and a beacon of excellence and inspiration for others in the zoological field. AZA’s standards are continuously revised to reflect cutting-edge zoological practices based on the latest animal well-being science and research.

“Accreditation by the AZA is not merely a badge of honor; it’s a clear indication of our unwavering commitment to the highest standards of animal care and welfare,” said Brian Davis, Ph.D., President and CEO of Georgia Aquarium. “This recognition further fuels our dedication to conservation and showcases our efforts to provide educational and inspiring experiences for our guests.”

AZA accreditation requires a thorough review, including an on-site, multi-day inspection by an independent team of zoological professionals who evaluated all aspects of Georgia Aquarium’s operations, including animal welfare and wellbeing; veterinary care; keeper training; safety for visitors, staff, and animals; educational programs; conservation efforts; financial stability; risk management; governance; and guest services. AZA requires zoos and aquariums to successfully complete this rigorous accreditation process every five years to meet evolving standards and maintain membership in the association.

“Conservation and the well-being of animals is at the core of everything we do.,” said Georgia Aquarium’s Chief Animal Officer, Michael Boos. “This accreditation is a testament to our team’s hard work, the innovative practices we employ to ensure the health and happiness of our animals, and the ongoing effort we put into global conservation initiatives.”

To learn more about Georgia Aquarium, click here.

WheelChariot is a platform focused on improving accessibility for people with disabilities.

Georgia Aquarium has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first Gold Certified organization recognized by WheelChariot, a pioneering platform dedicated to promoting accessibility for people with disabilities. This distinctive certification underscores the Aquarium’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity, making it a leading accessible destination in the Atlanta metro area.

 

WheelChariot is a local Georgia-based organization, founded by graduates from the Georgia Institute of Technology, whose focus is forming a more inclusive society where everyone has equal access to goods and services. WheelChariot’s platform provides businesses with the tools and insights needed to enhance accessibility and foster an environment of inclusion. By providing a unique opportunity for businesses to receive first-hand feedback, engage with and learn from a vibrant community dedicated to improving accessibility; WheelChariot helps businesses, like Georgia Aquarium, improve their accommodations based on real user experiences.

 

“We at WheelChariot are deeply grateful and immensely proud of Georgia Aquarium’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity,” said Gabriel Jones, CEO of WheelChariot. “Their decision to trust in a homegrown initiative spearheaded by Georgia entrepreneurs speaks volumes of their dedication not only to superior guest experiences but also to fostering a supportive local community. As passionate advocates for Atlanta, we dream of seeing our beloved city become a leading hub for accessible tourism. Georgia Aquarium’s trailblazing achievement in receiving the first WheelChariot Gold Certification not only marks a significant milestone in their journey towards inclusivity but also sets an exemplary model for others. We fervently hope that their leadership and commitment inspire many more establishments to join us in this vital endeavor. Together, we can make Atlanta a beacon for accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring that every visitor, regardless of ability, enjoys the rich, diverse experiences our city has to offer.”

 

Through the WheelChariot for Business initiative, establishments like Georgia Aquarium not only have the opportunity to highlight their commendable efforts, but also gain public-facing certification. This certification allows businesses to proudly promote their commitment to inclusivity, assuring visitors of their dedication to providing accessible experiences for all.

 

In 2018, Georgia Aquarium became the first aquarium designated as a Certified Autism Center.

Last fall, it was named KultureCity’s Sensory Inclusive Venue of the Year for training more than 80% of staff and volunteers on compassionately and effectively working with guests on the autism spectrum and providing sensory features for those who need or want them. Georgia Aquarium is also honored to have hosted more than 2,900 military personnel and guests who have been physically, emotionally, or mentally wounded through their Veterans Immersion Program, offering swims or dives 365 days a year. Now, being recognized as the first WheelChariot Gold Certified organization the Aquarium’s hopes to continue expanding efforts to make their facility accessible to all by setting the example of best practices. This Gold Certification recognizes Georgia Aquarium’s exceptional efforts to make their facility accessible to all through the wide range of accessibility measures, including but not limited to: providing wheelchairs, golf carts, tactile and specialized exhibit information, and a sensory room. The Aquarium’s encounter programs are also all designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring every guest the opportunity to participate in these experiences.

 

“We are honored to be the first organization to receive Gold Certification from WheelChariot,” said Sam Herman, director of guest programs at Georgia Aquarium. “Every year, we see millions of guests come through our doors. Our commitment to accessibility extends beyond the basics, demonstrating our passion for providing a memorable and enriching experience for every visitor. Georgia Aquarium’s mission is to inspire awareness and preservation of our aquatic world, and we believe that every individual, regardless of their abilities, should have the opportunity to be a part of this mission.”

 

Georgia Aquarium’s journey toward achieving WheelChariot Gold Certification reflects on their incredible dedication to creating a more accessible and inclusive environment for guests with disabilities. With this new achievement, Georgia Aquarium aims to set a new standard for accessibility in the metro Atlanta community.

 

Together, WheelChariot and Georgia Aquarium are taking a significant step forward in setting a higher standard for accessibility in Atlanta, and hope this certification serves as an inspiration for other businesses looking to promote accessibility and inclusivity.

 

To learn more about Georgia Aquarium’s accessibility offerings, please visit georgiaaquarium.org.

 

For more information about WheelChariot, please visit wheelchariot.io.

 

For photos and videos, please see below:

Photos

Video

For further information or media inquiries, please contact:

Gabriel Jones

CEO, WheelChariot

(678) 730-4778

gabriel@wheelchariot.io

 

Hannah Hardwick

Public Relations Specialist, Georgia Aquarium

hhardwick@georgiaaquarium.org

Marine mammals in modern zoos and aquariums are living two to three times longer than wild counterparts, according to a new study.

A new study provides compelling evidence that animal care and management practices at zoos and aquariums have significantly improved over time. The study, led by Species360 and University of Southern Denmark Research Scientist Dr. Morgane Tidière in collaboration with 41 co-authors from academic, governmental, and zoological institutions around the world, including Georgia Aquarium, is the first to examine life expectancy and lifespan equality together as a proxy of population welfare in marine mammal species.

 

The study also found that marine mammal species live longer in zoological institutions than in the wild as a result of advances in animal care practices centred on animal welfare. The results have been published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences.

 

Study authors used the same statistical methods used to assess improvements in human population welfare to analyse data from the world’s largest database of information on wildlife in human care – the Species360 Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS).

 

The study examined 200 years worth of data from ZIMS, dating as far back as the early 1800s up until 2020, to look at whether four marine mammal species – the harbour seal, California sea lion, polar bear, and common bottlenose dolphin – have seen improved conditions of life in human care, and whether that can be observed through a progressive concentration of individuals reaching old age.

 

Applying the same methodology using additional data sources for wild populations, the authors examine whether these four marine mammal species are living longer lives in zoos and aquariums, compared to their counterparts in the wild.

 

The study authors found that the life expectancy of the four marine mammal species has increased by over three times, and that the rate of deaths in the first year of life has declined by up to 31% over the last century in zoos and aquariums included in the study. Additionally, the life expectancy of these species in zoos and aquariums is currently two to three times longer than their counterparts in the wild.

 

“The advances in care provided to marine mammals is remarkable, and it’s gratifying to look data from numerous institutions over many years and validate that marine mammals living in aquariums and zoos are living long, healthy lives,” said Eric Gaglione, Vice President of Zoological Operations at Georgia Aquarium and a co-author on the study.

In addition to looking at how long these four species are living, researchers looked at how many of them are living well by examining lifespan equality which can show if a population is consistently living longer lives and avoiding less predictable, earlier causes of death. Researchers found conclusively that the four species have a progressively increasing lifespan equality across time in zoological institutions. They also highlight that current populations of the four species living in zoological institutions included in the study have a higher lifespan equality than their counterparts in the wild.

The researchers found a significant improvement in longevity and lifespan equality for the four species from the 1990s onwards, which is believed to be a result of advancements in zoological practices, such as implementing advanced veterinary, environmental, nutritional and enrichment measures, as well as the voluntary cooperation of animals in routine examinations through positive reinforcement training.

 

These improvements in how progressive zoos and aquariums care for animals is a result of the establishment of regional and national zoo associations, accreditation standards, coordinated breeding programs, shared databases and professional networks which foster knowledge sharing – thereby collectively improving animal welfare.

 

Lead study author, Dr. Morgane Tidière, Species360, commented on the significance of the study, saying; “Our findings indicate that significant progress has been made in enhancing the welfare of marine mammals in zoological institutions, as a result of improvements in management practices in progressive zoos and aquariums. Professional zoos and aquariums of today cannot be compared to zoos 30 years ago.” Dr. Tidière continues: “This kind of research is possible as a result of the standardised data collected and shared by Species360 member zoos and aquariums around the world.”

 

The study authors note that these results reflect the average welfare of marine mammals in Species360 member facilities, rather than demonstrating a global minimum standard achieved by all zoos and aquariums worldwide. Nonetheless, these findings serve as evidence of positive progress in the management and care of animals within professional  zoological facilities. The researchers hope the findings inspire other institutions, which are not part of professional zoo and aquarium bodies, to invest time and resources into enhancing their animal management practices.

 

The results of this study contribute to the ongoing dialogue surrounding the wellbeing of animals in zoos and aquariums and may help inform future policy decisions. It demonstrates the importance of scientific research in understanding and improving the lives of animals in zoological institutions. The preliminary results have already informed legislative decisions in France and Spain, guiding evidence-based choices regarding the care of marine mammals in these settings.

The full study can be read here: https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2023.1895.

 

 

Additional Notes:

• The four species in the study, harbour seal, California sea lion, polar bear, and common bottlenose dolphin were chosen to study as these species have the largest sample sizes and represent 63.4% of all marine mammals recorded in the global Species360 Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS).
• The study examined data on 8,864 individuals of four marine mammal species.
• More than 1,200 zoological institutions in over 100 countries worldwide record animal data in the Species360 Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS).

 

For further information or media inquiries, please contact:

Gavrielle Kirk-Cohen, Species360
communications@species360.org

Paige Hale, Georgia Aquarium
phale@georgiaaquarium.org