What can we say about the year 2021? Within the uncertainty of everyday life last year, throughout the ever-changing “new normal” of society, we persevered. Thanks to the incredible support of our guests, members, sponsors, community (local and virtual) and more, the South Carolina Aquarium continued to excel in education programming, animal care, sea turtle rescue and conservation, both within our walls and beyond. Here are just a few highlights of an amazing year…
January
In January, our education team tested out our brand new “Aquabot” with an elementary school class. The Aquabot enabled the students to navigate through our galleries at their discretion and experience the Aquarium at their comfort and convenience!
February
In February, our vet staff was able to incubate the eggs of a critically injured diamondback terrapin. Even though she did not survive, we were able to give these seven adorable babies a chance to live a full life!
March
In March, our friends at Dominion Energy made it possible for us to continue offering School Programs to South Carolina students for free. These programs inspire students to become lifelong protectors of nature and lay the path for futures in STEM careers.
April
April was the official public introduction of our two new resident North American river otters! With the public’s help, we named these brothers Charlie and Beau, after Charleston and Beaufort, South Carolina.
May
With the incredible help of our guests and supporters, we reached a huge milestone this year… our 21st birthday! We can’t wait to celebrate 22 with you next year!
June
To celebrate Pride Month 2021, we were ecstatic to be designated a Charleston Police Department “Safe Place” for the LGBTQIA+ community. We welcome all at the Aquarium!
July
With the start of the Tokyo Summer Olympics in July, we cheered on Team USA with fun Olympic-themed enrichment. Our gopher tortoises, otters, pelicans and Liberty the bald eagle all got in on the fun!
August
We couldn’t be more thankful and impressed by our littlest learners and supporters who have made it their mission to save sea turtles alongside us. We featured some amazing “Kids Who Care” in August!
September
We had a wonderful year of rescue, rehabilitation and release through the Sea Turtle Care Center™, and Malachite, Druzy and Lapis were just a few of our success stories! These three juvenile greens were released, in optimal health, to Cape Romain in September.
October
In October, hundreds of runners, local and virtual, trekked five kilometers for the turtles! Lots of sweat and smiles filled Isle of Palms during this year’s race. This fundraiser is always a hit, and this year was no different!
November
In November, we were able to welcome eight cold-stunned Kemp’s ridley sea turtles into our care from the beaches of Massachusetts. These juvenile turtles were lovingly named after “Frozen” characters, and are currently rehabilitating and doing well!
December
We wrapped up a beautiful year with an amazing new holiday light experience, Aquarium Aglow! Tens of thousands of lights shone bright throughout the Aquarium, and we cannot wait to bring you more magic in the 2022 holiday season!
