Exploris facts for kids
| Date opened | 1987, re-opened 2016 |
|---|---|
| Location | Portaferry, Northern Ireland |
| Land area | Ards and North Down |
| Coordinates | 54°22′55″N 5°32′56″W / 54.382°N 5.549°W |
| Volume of largest tank | 250,000 |
| Annual visitors | 100,000+ |
| Website | www.explorisni.com |
Exploris is a fantastic public aquarium located in Portaferry, Northern Ireland. It sits right on the edge of Strangford Lough, which is a very special natural area. This lough is a protected marine nature reserve and a super important spot for many sea creatures and birds. Exploris helps visitors discover the amazing variety of animals that call Strangford Lough home.
Contents
Welcome to Exploris!
Exploris is more than just an aquarium; it's a window into the underwater world. It's designed to show you the incredible animals that live in the waters around Northern Ireland and beyond. You can learn about different fish, seals, otters, and even some reptiles!
What is Strangford Lough?
Strangford Lough is a large sea lough, which means it's an inlet of the sea. It's a very important place for wildlife. Almost 75% of all the marine species found in Northern Ireland live here! This includes cool animals like common seals and even huge basking sharks.
The lough is also a major stop for many birds during their yearly migration. For example, about three-quarters of the world's population of pale-bellied brent geese spend their winter holidays right here in Strangford Lough. Exploris helps you understand why this area is so vital for these animals.
A Brand New Look
Exploris got a big makeover a few years ago! It closed its doors in late 2014 for some important updates and improvements. After a lot of hard work and an investment of nearly £1.5 million, the aquarium reopened in August 2016. Thanks to these changes, Exploris is now even better for visitors to explore and enjoy.
Explore the Amazing Exhibits
Exploris has many exciting areas where you can get up close with different animals. Each exhibit is designed to teach you about the creatures and their natural homes.
The Giant Ocean Tank
One of the most impressive parts of Exploris is its huge ocean tank. This massive tank holds 250,000 litres of water and is home to many different types of fish and other marine life. It gives you a feeling of being right in the middle of the ocean, watching the animals swim around you.
Meet the Seals!
The Seal Sanctuary at Exploris is a very popular spot. Here, you can see common seals swimming and playing. The sanctuary often helps rescue seals that are injured or sick, giving them a safe place to recover before they can return to the wild. It's a great chance to learn about these clever marine mammals.
Playful Otters
Exploris also has a special habitat for otters. These furry, playful creatures are always fun to watch. You can see them diving, swimming, and playing in their watery home. Otters are very active and curious animals, and their exhibit is always a highlight for visitors.
Reptiles of the Rainforest
Beyond the marine animals, Exploris also features a "Reptiles of the Rainforest" exhibit. This section lets you discover creatures from warmer climates. You might see different types of lizards, snakes, and other reptiles that live in rainforests around the world. It's a fascinating look at animals that are very different from those found in Strangford Lough.
Images for kids
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A Nile Crocodile, one of the reptiles you might see at Exploris.
