Aquarium of Niagara

The Aquarium of Niagara is a non-profit public aquarium in Niagara Falls, New York dedicated to education and conservation of aquatic life. Originally privately owned and founded by a group of chemists and other scientists, it opened on June 12, 1965. Ownership was transferred to a non-profit foundation, the Sea Research Foundation, in September 1977, and then to the Niagara Aquarium Foundation on February 18, 1994. The aquarium features rescued seals and sea lions, Humboldt penguins, sharks, jellyfish, and over 128 species of mammals, fish, birds, and reptiles. The Aquarium of Niagara is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

The Niagara Aquarium Foundation is governed by a board of trustees. The board of trustees appoints an executive director, who has immediate charge and control of the administration and operation of the aquarium. The Aquarium of Niagara is currently under the direction of Gary K. Siddall, who was hired for the role of executive director in June 2016.

Major exhibits
The Aquarium of Niagara is home to over 128 species of animals, including:


 * California sea lions
 * Harbor seals
 * Gray seals
 * Humboldt penguins
 * Jellyfish
 * Freshwater and marine fish and invertebrates

Programming
Experiences included with regular admission include sea lions shows, seal presentations, penguin feedings and educational talks with Aquarium team members. Experiences available for an additional cost include:


 * Seal encounters
 * Penguin encounters
 * Trainer for a day program
 * Birthday parties
 * Sleepover programs
 * Summer camps

The Aquarium of Niagara also offers field trips, outreach programing, home school classes, and scout badge workshops that are all aligned with the aquarium's core values and mission statement, which advocate education and conservation of aquatic life.