Woods Hole Science Aquarium facts for kids
Woods Hole Science Aquarium
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| Date opened | 1885 |
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| Location | 166 Water Street, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, United States |
| Coordinates | 41°31′34″N 70°40′26″W / 41.526°N 70.674°W |
| No. of species | 140 |
| Annual visitors | 80,000 |
The Woods Hole Science Aquarium (WHSA) is a small public aquarium located in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, United States. The US government owns it. It is run by the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Marine Biological Laboratory.
History of the Aquarium
The Woods Hole Science Aquarium is thought to be the oldest aquarium in the United States. Back in 1873 or 1875, a scientist named Spencer Fullerton Baird invited people to his lab in Woods Hole. He wanted them to see marine animals and learn about ocean science.
In 1885, the US government built a special building for ocean research in Woods Hole. Mr. Baird made sure the first floor was an aquarium for everyone to visit. It showed off fish, invertebrates (animals without backbones), and even birds. Mr. Baird's idea also helped create the National Aquarium in Washington, D.C. in 1878.
In 1954, a big storm called Hurricane Carol damaged the original building. It was torn down in 1958. The aquarium then reopened in its current spot in 1961.
What You Can See: Exhibits
The aquarium's exhibits feature marine animals found in the waters of the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic United States. You can see about 140 different kinds of fish and invertebrates. They are displayed in indoor tanks and a special touch tank.
The aquarium also has an outdoor area. This area is a permanent home for seals that have been injured. In 2007, the aquarium was home to two harbor seals. Sadly, they passed away in July 2017. About 80,000 people visit the aquarium each year.
Helping Sea Turtles
Besides showing animals, the Woods Hole Science Aquarium also helps sea turtles. They have a program to help turtles that wash up on Cape Cod beaches. These turtles might be hurt or stunned by cold weather in late autumn.
The aquarium helps these turtles get healthy again. Once they are strong enough, the turtles are released back into the wild. These rescued turtles are not shown to the public.
