Baltimore Hosts the National Aquarium — Get an Insider's Look with 'Walk With T+L'

Regardless of age or interests, the National Aquarium is a must-visit in Baltimore. From marine life like sharks and turtles to terrestrial creatures such as sloths and puffins, this aquatic destination offers a rich variety of wildlife, enhancing visitors' understanding of our planet.

In this episode of Walk With T+L, experts from the aquarium guide viewers on an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour, showcasing the animals and discussing how their distinct habitats flourish. To learn more about the exhibits and upcoming projects, we spoke with Lindsey Rowell, the aquarium's public relations specialist. Here’s what she shared.

Dinogo: What do you consider the most popular exhibit at the aquarium? Which one seems to be the crowd favorite?

Lindsey: One exhibit that consistently captivates guests is Shark Alley. As visitors traverse the winding path, they find themselves face-to-face with various shark species, discovering that there’s much to appreciate about these often-misunderstood predators.

Additionally, Jellies Invasion, showcasing nine species of ethereal and brainless invertebrates, draws crowds from far and wide. From the elegant Pacific sea nettle to the stout blue blubber jelly, this exhibit emphasizes the breathtaking variety within jelly populations.

Lastly, the Upland Tropical Rain Forest completes the aquarium's trio of top exhibits, whisking guests away to the heart of a South American rainforest. Here, vibrant tropical birds, playful sloths, and agile golden lion tamarin monkeys thrive among a lush array of rainforest flora, recreating one of Earth’s most biologically rich — and endangered — environments.

What do you wish guests (or viewers of your episode) take away from their visit beyond just observing the incredible animals?

Lindsey: The National Aquarium aims to transform how humanity interacts with our ocean planet. With every visit, we hope guests gain insights that inspire them to safeguard wildlife and habitats in their own communities.

Furthermore, beyond the Aquarium, the National Aquarium is cultivating a new generation of passionate conservationists through science-based educational programs and engaging field initiatives, all aimed at inspiring the preservation of the world’s aquatic wonders.

We understand the aquarium is planning to develop a new dolphin sanctuary. Could you share some details about that?

Lindsey: The National Aquarium intends to create a coastal sanctuary for its Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, marking the first of its kind in North America. This facility will enable staff to provide personalized, lifelong care for each dolphin in a spacious outdoor environment featuring natural seawater, a warm tropical or subtropical climate, and organic stimulation like fish and aquatic plants.

What’s in store for the aquarium? Are there any upcoming projects you can reveal?

Lindsey: The aquarium aims to establish a series of floating wetlands between Piers 3 and 4 [in Baltimore's Inner Harbor], designed to foster habitats for native species, gradually enhance the harbor’s water quality, and reconnect both residents and visitors with nature right at the water’s edge. A prototype of the floating wetland is already operational.