The National Aquarium announced today plans to create a new Animal Care and Rescue Center, just 0.7 miles from the National Aquarium in the historic Jonestown neighborhood. The location at 901 East Fayette Street will provide a lasting and permanent solution for the care of the Aquarium's current and future animal collections and rescue operations.
"Our greatest responsibility at the National Aquarium is to ensure the welfare of the animals in our care," said John Racanelli, National Aquarium chief executive officer. "Everything we do is driven by this value. Our new Animal Care and Rescue Center aligns perfectly with this, and it supports our vision to reimagine the Aquarium's role in the 21st century. After 35 years in temporary or rented facilities, we can now create a world-class care center for our animals and take our place as a permanent resident of Baltimore's historic Jonestown community."
The 50,000 square-foot property will be renovated over the next 18 months, with the transition to the new facility complete in 2018.
"The Jonestown neighborhood welcomes the National Aquarium as another strong community partner in our revitalization," said Joseph M. Cronyn, member of the Jonestown Planning Council. "The Aquarium's commitment to engagement with our neighborhood school, residents and visitors is wonderful. The new center will add to the rich array of important cultural and historic institutions in the neighborhood."
The Aquarium's Animal Care Center has been in its current space in Fells Point for 22 years, serving as a location for animal quarantine, sick/injured animals, animal rescue and rehabilitation as well as exhibit fabrication. Designs for the future site are still in progress and include all current uses, plus an expansion of exclusive behind-the-scenes opportunities.
The Aquarium has funding plans in place for the future Animal Care and Rescue Center, which include philanthropic opportunities.