Editor's Choice:9 Stunning Ontario Waterfalls That Are Even More Magical In The Fall
About 200 people were officially laid off. But there is still a team of about 75 staff who will care for the animals and it seems like they're the only ones who will get to see them. Won't they be lonely without us?
Kids who grew up here always went on field trips with their school to see the fish. Plus, you're hard-pressed to find a Vancouverite who doesn't remember the beluga whales.
Young couples used to flock here for date nights, especially for their after-hours parties. Plus, some people even had their wedding here.
Whether you went for the penguins or the otters, here are eight accounts of good times at the aquarium that will make you remember your own:
Jacquelyn Ho
"I always looked forward to summer camp, knowing we would go there as a field trip.
As an adult, I realized my mother had never gone so I took the opportunity to finally take her. Seeing her face light up and get excited by the aquatic life around her[...]I knew it was the same feelings I had as a child.
Iâm grateful I got to share that experience, and I hope to share it with others in the future."
Kevin Yang
"I'm going to miss the silly looking fishes the most, and asking the helpful workers at the aquarium questions like 'why is this fish see-through?'"
Sal King
"I always loved the jellyfish. Iâve always loved aquariums in general, theyâve just always felt kind of spooky and otherworldly â like youâre walking past hundreds of little worlds.
Theyâve changed it a lot over the years but the changes were always good. Little messed up that they serve fish at the cafe though...
For real though, Itâs really saddening that theyâre having so much trouble. Really hope theyâre able to stay afloat, no pun intended."
Laura Dewitt
"My husband and I got married in 2009 and it was all at the Aquarium both ceremony and reception. It was an amazingly beautiful time, one I always will remember.
I feel super sad that place was always such a part of me even when I was a child. Itâs just so sad itâs closing but I am so happy we will always have the memories of our special night."
Carmen Postulart
"We have been spending the afternoon there on alternate weekends for at least the past two years, until COVID-19.
We had given names to all of our favourite fish including Pirate Pete, the black one-eyed Rockfish.
We had hoped to resume our visits this fall but can appreciate the position that VanAqua finds itself in. We do wish them all the best."
Herrah Ledesma
"Me and my family celebrated my 27th birthday here. It's a wonderful feeling celebrating your special day with your loved ones. It was a fun journey, driving all the way from Calgary to Vancouver for about 12 hours.
These extraordinary jellyfish really captured my eyes for the second time. Yes, Iâve been here last year December 2019 and I'm still mesmerized by these wonderful creatures."
Leslie Rossi
"A favourite memory is a recent one. It would be taking my baby girl to see the aquarium and seeing her face light up at the jellyfish exhibit. She was in awe.
The closure of the Vancouver Aquarium is saddening to myself. I think of all of the great memories and how far they have come through the decades.
I remember when they had the orcas and beluga whales (along with the zoo outside) and now they focus on education and rehabilitation which I think is important."
Alina Li
"I go there every year to see how big the fishes grow, especially arapaima, pacu and so on. I love the ocean and have a lot of fish at home. The aquarium also gave me a better idea for how to decorate my tank.
I feel sad that they are closed. But I believe one day, they will reopen.
I really miss the old times, I remember[...] I was looking for rain frogs and boa with some kids, we were so happy found them and tried to count them."
*These accounts have been edited for length and clarity.
Fish around the jellyfish.Jessica Walt N Charley | Facebook
