About the
Vancouver Aquarium
The Vancouver Aquarium, an Ocean Wise® initiative, is home to thousands of incredible ocean species and amazing aquatic life.
Please note: The Vancouver Aquarium has paused all on-site public programming and temporarily closed to the public while we focus on transformation. Read more.
About Us
A sanctuary in the heart of Stanley Park
The Vancouver Aquarium, an Ocean Wise® initiative, is home to thousands of incredible ocean species and amazing aquatic life. It’s also Ocean Wise headquarters, where our scientists, educators and conservation experts do their work, not only to protect our oceans but to inspire others to join us in our mission. Since opening in 1956, the Vancouver Aquarium has connected more than 40 million people from around the world to our oceans and all the wonders within them.
History
The history of Canada’s largest aquarium
The Vancouver Aquarium was formed as the Vancouver Public Aquarium Association in 1951. We were officially Canada's first public aquarium and opened on June 15, 1956. Today, there are approximately 48 aquariums in North America, only a few of which are in Canada. Worldwide, the number of aquariums has grown to more than 200.
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Our Founding Principles
The founding principles of the Vancouver Aquarium have been to attain the highest possible standard of animal care within a top-notch facility that provides an informative and educational guest experience. In 1975, we became the first aquarium accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA). In 1987, we were also accredited by the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) and were designated Canada's Pacific National Aquarium by the Canadian Federal Government. In 2016 the Vancouver Aquarium was among the first in the world to achieve Humane Certification from American Humane.
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Internationally Recognized
The Vancouver Aquarium is internationally recognized for display and interpretation excellence, and was the first facility to incorporate professional naturalists and interpretive specialists into galleries to explain animal behaviors. Aquarium research projects extend world-wide and we are internationally recognized for our successful Marine Mammal Rescue Program. Innovative programming, superlative animal care and a commitment to aquatic research have seen the Aquarium held in high esteem year after year.
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Our evolution
In 2017, Ocean Wise ® was launched as a new global ocean conservation organization focused on protecting and restoring our world’s oceans. Building on the roots of the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre, which started as a community-based not-for-profit organization, Ocean Wise aims to inspire people in every corner of the planet to participate in creating healthy oceans.
Accreditation
Recognized for excellence
We voluntarily undergo regular accreditation inspections by professional associations. The accreditation process is an independent verification that we meet or exceed professionally established standards of animal care, education, conservation and research.
Sustainability
We are committed to being an environmental responsible organization
Our buildings and operations have an impact on the environment and the animals we work to protect whether it be through the use of energy, the generation of waste, or the buying of goods. In our efforts to mitigate that impact, we have become a leader in environmental sustainability practices.
Leadership
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Management team
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President & CEO
Lasse Gustavsson
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Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Clint Wright
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Executive Vice President of Finance and Business Development
Jennie Moushos
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Executive Vice President, Conservation
Dr. Carlos Drews
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Vice President, Research and Executive Director, Coastal Ocean Research Institute
Peter Ross
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Vice President, Development and External Relations
Jeremy Douglas
Our vision is a world in which oceans are healthy and flourishing. Our mission is to inspire the
global community to become Ocean Wise by increasing its understanding, wonder and appreciation for our oceans.