Early Closure
Due to inclement weather, the National Aquarium is closing at 4 p.m. Sunday, February 22, 2026.Â
Wallpaper Wednesdays: Fresh Hatch
A Mertens' water monitor hatched recently at the National Aquarium—an extraordinary 368 days after its egg was laid. Long incubation periods are typical of this species.
- Multimedia
Freshen up your home screen with our one-of-a-kind wallpapers featuring a lizard mid-hatch from the National Aquarium's Australia: Wild Extremes habitat.
Mobile & Desktop Devices New Year, New You
This hatchling, nicknamed Americano, is the second Mertens' water monitor born at the Aquarium in recent years. These endangered aquatic lizards are found in coastal areas and inland waterways in northern Australia.