Key West Aquarium

• When was the Key West Aquarium built?
  • The Key West Aquarium was built during the Great Depression under Dr. Van Deusen as part of the Works Progress Administration Program of 1933.
• How was the Key West Aquarium constructed?
  • The aquarium was built using saltwater concrete and employed locals who needed income due to the financial distress of the Great Depression.
• When did the Key West Aquarium open?
  • The aquarium was completed and opened to the public in February of 1935.
• What made the Key West Aquarium unique when it first opened?
  • The Key West Aquarium was designed as an “open-air” aquarium, with no roof, allowing its exhibits to be illuminated by natural sunlight.
• What was Dr. Van Deusen's vision for the Key West Aquarium?
  • Dr. Van Deusen hoped that the open-air concept would revolutionize the way aquariums were maintained worldwide.
  • He also envisioned the Key West Aquarium drawing thousands of visitors and scientists from around the globe.
• What happened to the Key West Aquarium after the grand opening?
  • Unfortunately, seven months after opening, a massive hurricane destroyed the overseas railroad that connected Key West to the mainland.
  • With the railroad destroyed, the only way to reach Key West was by boat, reducing the aquarium’s appeal as a main attraction.
• What did the U.S. government do with the aquarium in 1943?
  • By May 1943, the United States Government leased the building to the armed forces.
  • The building was used as a firing range, and all displays and exhibit spaces were demolished.
• When was the aquarium restored?
  • Three years later, the building was returned to the city of Key West.
  • In 1946, the aquarium was restored and became more popular than when it first opened.
• When was the open-air concept abandoned?
  • In 1960, the open-air concept was abandoned, and a roof was installed due to excessive algae growth inside the exhibit spaces.
• Are open-air aquariums still used today?
  • Today, more modern lighting methods have been developed, and the era of open-air aquariums has ended.

• How is the Key West Aquarium divided?
  • The aquarium is divided into six main exhibits.
• What is the American Alligators exhibit?
  • The American Alligator exhibit houses alligators aged 1-3 years.
  • These gators are on loan from an alligator farm in Florida.
  • When they reach a certain age or size, they are returned and replaced with younger alligators.
• What can visitors see at the Atlantic Shores Exhibit?
  • This exhibit features:
  • Tropical and game fish
  • Sharks
  • Sea turtles
  • A living mangrove ecosystem
  • Tour guides offer interactive feedings three times per day with 20-minute presentations discussing ecosystem importance, conservation, and feeding large game fish and sharks.
  • This exhibit is 50,000 gallons of saltwater and was once a parking lot adjacent to the aquarium.
• What is featured in the Jelly Fish exhibit?
  • The exhibit showcases Moon Jelly Fish.
  • Although not poisonous, Moon Jelly Fish can produce a sharp sting.
  • They are found all around Key West and are displayed in an ethereal and mythical setting.
• What does the Sea Turtle Conservation exhibit focus on?
  • The Key West Aquarium is dedicated to sea turtle conservation and rescuing injured sea turtles of any size or age.
  • The aquarium currently has four sea turtles under rehabilitation by resident veterinarian Dr. Douglas Mader.
  • Programs are offered on safe boating practices and water conservation.
• What can visitors expect at the Shark Feeding exhibit?
  • Visitors can participate in four daily shark feeding tours.
  • They will have the opportunity to feed nurse sharks, sandbar sharks, and bonnethead sharks.
  • After the feeding programs, guests can meet a juvenile nurse shark up close and touch its tail.
• What is Stingray Bay?
  • Stingray Bay is one of the newest exhibits at the Key West Aquarium.
  • Visitors can pet and feed stingrays that are native to the Atlantic.
  • The stingrays in this exhibit are related to Manta Rays and are very docile and friendly.
  • There are 20-minute guided interactive feeding tours available.
  • The largest stingrays in this exhibit weigh 26 pounds and are up to 35 inches in width.
• What is the Touch Tank exhibit?
  • The Touch Tank offers another hands-on experience for visitors.
  • Guests can explore the museum's history and interact with the Lower Keys ecosystem creatures, including:
  • Conchs
  • Sea stars
  • Sea urchins
  • Sea cucumbers
  • Crabs

• Is the Key West Aquarium an educational experience?
  • Yes, the entire Key West Aquarium serves as an educational opportunity.
• What special educational programs does the Key West Aquarium offer?
  • The aquarium offers special programs throughout the year for schools and the community.
  • There are also grade-specific field trip programs and exhibits focusing on native and nonnative species.
• What special projects is the Key West Aquarium involved in?
  • One recent project taken on by the Key West Aquarium is educating the local community about:
  • Invasive species
  • The exotic pet trade
• What additional exhibits are at the Key West Aquarium?
  • The aquarium is home to:
  • 12 living coral reef tanks
  • Reptiles
  • Snakes

Key West Aquarium, 1 Whitehead Street, Key West Florida, 33040, Phone: 888-544-5927