ANIMAL CARE

Husbandry & Sustainability

A member of the dive team feeds a cownose ray in the Giant Ocean Tank
A member of the dive team feeds a cownose ray in the Giant Ocean Tank Photo: Vanessa Kahn
Behind the scenes at the Aquarium and in our Animal Care Center in Quincy, our team works to ensure animals in our care are thriving. This work also includes raising juvenile fishes to help promote sustainable aquariums and aquaculture.
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Dedicated to Animal Well-Being

Our Animal Care experts provide exceptional day-to-day support for the animals in our care, managing their diet, monitoring for behavioral changes that might indicate a problem, and maintaining the aquatic systems that form the basis for their health.

Aquarist Sarah feeds sharks in the Shark and Ray Touch Tank
Aquarist Sarah feeds sharks in the Shark and Ray Touch Tank
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High-Quality Care Keeps Animals Thriving

Through enrichment and husbandry sessions, animals like our Atlantic harbor seals are encouraged to participate in their own healthcare. These husbandry sessions also allow Aquarium staff to monitor and upkeep the seals’ well-being.

Atlantic harbor seal Reggae poses with his toothbrush
Atlantic harbor seal Reggae poses with his toothbrush
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Collaborating to Raise Fish Sustainably

We’re working with aquariums around the US to build capacity for sustainable breeding of species for display in exhibits and as aquaculture development to commercial fisheries.

Glassy sweepers on exhibit at the Aquarium
Glassy sweepers on exhibit at the Aquarium Photo: Vanessa Kahn
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The Open-Source Marine Fish Egg Catalog

The Open-Source Marine Fish Egg Catalog, started in October 2022, features over 100 fish eggs from dozens of different species in the effort to help public aquariums identify fish eggs for possible in-house breeding efforts. The work is done in collaboration with seven other aquariums and institutions across the US, with support from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Collecting eggs for an open-source egg catalog
Collecting eggs for an open-source egg catalog
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