Aquarium celebrates 50 amazing years

Vancouver mayor helps unveil new logo

February 15, 2006 - Vancouver , BC : Mayor of Vancouver, Sam Sullivan, visited the Vancouver Aquarium today, to unveil the Aquarium’s new logo and officially launch its celebration of 50 amazing years in the community.

“The Aquarium is a treasured part of our community, providing opportunities for residents and visitors to learn about the spectacular aquatic life here on the west coast,” said Mayor Sullivan. “I remember visiting the Aquarium as a child, so it’s very exciting to be here today as the Mayor of Vancouver to help celebrate this special anniversary.”

Last year, with its anniversary in view, the Vancouver Aquarium paused to consider its logo, which for more than 35 years featured a killer whale- a distinctive symbol for the Aquarium as one of the first institutions to have ever displayed them.

“The Aquarium remains at the forefront of wild killer whale research and conservation today, but we felt the killer whale as a symbol no longer represented the experience of visiting the Aquarium, nor of the broad scope of the Aquarium's programs,” said Chair of the Board, Dan Rollins. “We wanted our new logo to be distinctive, contemporary, and appropriate to the spirit of our organization which offers an unforgettable aquatic experience for visitors, while being a leader in education, conservation and marine science. We also wanted that new logo to symbolize our commitment to all marine life (not just one or two species), and reflect our values of balance, sustainability, and conservation.”

With that idea in mind, the Aquarium turned to Subplot Design, an award-winning local design firm. The designers were given the challenge of creating a new logo that would be more appropriate to the Vancouver Aquarium of today- an aquarium that strives to engage, amaze and inspire its visitors; an aquarium that conducts ground-breaking research into aquatic animals and ecosystems; an aquarium that manages an ever-growing number of conservation initiatives. After months of hard work, a new logo was born.

Inspired by the shape and spirit of earlier logos, the new icon celebrates the Aquarium’s history and commitment to the conservation of aquatic life in its many forms. The logo is made up of three smaller shapes, representing aquatic fauna, flora and the world of water.

In addition to a new logo, the Aquarium has a new unique word mark, as well as a carefully chosen palette of colors.  From new brochures to business cards, a refreshed website to new stationery, the Aquarium’s new identity will translate to all branded items and communications over time.

Be sure to watch for the Aquarium’s new visual identity on West Georgia Street, where it will be featured on colorful banners celebrating "50 amazing years".

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For further information, please contact:

Angela Nielsen, Director, Public Relations

Brenda Jones, Manager, Public Relations

Telephone 604 659 3516

Mobile 604-230-4673