October 29, 2007

CAZA AWARDS VANCOUVER AQUARIUM PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL PRIZE

Vancouver, BC: The Vancouver Aquarium has been awarded the Baines Award for outstanding achievement by a Canadian accredited zoo or aquarium by the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA).

The top prize recognized the Aquarium for its newest green building Aquaquest – the Marilyn Blusson Learning Centre, which is designed to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold standards and includes a roof that collects rainwater, a green wall, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, and low flush toilets.

“The Vancouver Aquarium’s new Aquaquest – the Marilyn Blusson Learning Centre is a tremendous example of how zoos and aquariums can push the boundaries between exhibits and programs, providing a new model for education and communication of rapidly changing conservation issues,” says Robin Hale, chair of CAZA’s Awards Committee.

The new building also houses two classrooms and a wet lab, an environmental newsroom to keep visitors updated on the latest conservation news, a children’s play-learning area, interactive exhibits and a ‘Windows on Research’ section that gives visitors a peek into Aquarium research behind the scenes.

“As a conservation-based organization, we believe it is essential to act as a role model in our community, practicing conservation in everything we do,” says Aquarium President Dr. John Nightingale.

Aquaquest uses its interactive exhibits, digital media and flexible programming to educate visitors about the environment, as well as to engage, amaze and inspire them about the aquatic world.

Aquarium President Dr. John Nightingale receives the Baines Award.

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For further information, please contact:

Brenda Jones

Manager, Public Relations

publicrelations@vanaqua.org