Our Best Photos of 2024

Reminiscence with us as we look back at some of our favorite National Aquarium photographs from 2024.

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What a year! As 2024 comes to an end, we're reflecting on the grand opening of Harbor Wetland, all the animals we've cared for, community events like Voyages: Chapters 5 and 6, local volunteer opportunities, and all the moments in between. We have so much to look back on and celebrate with all of you!

At the National Aquarium, our mission is to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet. We hope this collection of our favorite photos from 2024 does just that.

Aerial View of the Baltimore Inner Harbor and the Buildings Surrounding It Covered in Snow

Baltimore experiences its first snow day of the year.

Close-Up of a Rescued Juvenile Grey Seal in a Black Plastic Tub Covered in Fur With Its Mouth Wide Open

Selkie, a maternally dependent grey seal pup, receives treatment at the National Aquarium Stranding Response Center in Ocean City, Maryland, before being transported to the Animal Care and Rescue Center in Baltimore for long-term rehab.

Large Redtail Catfish Approaching an Aquarist With Their Hand in the Water Holding Food to Feed It in the Amazon River Forest Exhibit

In Amazon River Forest, Aquarist Tiffany Burkard feeds a redtail catfish, nicknamed Mr. Whiskers, by hand to care for him at his advanced age. This is one example of specialized care the Aquarium team provides for animals as they age.

Close-Up of the Eye of an Eastern Box Turtle

An Eastern box turtle, nicknamed Leonardo, waits behind the scenes before heading out for an Animal Encounter.

State Park Staff Member Holding a Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle Out in the Crashing Waves During Its Release in Anastasia State Park

Aquarium and park staff release rehabilitated sea turtles in Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine, Florida, as part of the 2023-24 animal rescue season.

Young Girl Looking Surprised With Her Hands Against the Glass While a Silver Arowana Swims By in the Amazon River Forest Exhibit

A silver arowana, nicknamed Falkor, swims up to a mesmerized guest at Amazon River Forest.

Aerial View of a North Carolina Wetland With Greenery Focused Along the Waterways

Wetlands in North Carolina, near where we released rehabilitated sea turtles back into the Atlantic Ocean.

2 Aquarium Staff Members in Hard Hats and Life Jackets Laughing As They Plant Grasses on the Harbor Wetland Exhibit

Aquarium staff prepare National Aquarium Harbor Wetland presented by CFG Bank for planting ahead of the exhibit's grand opening.

Close-Up of a Small Diamondback Terrapin Sticking Its Head Up in the Grass

Diamondback terrapins, cared for as part of the Terrapins in the Classroom program, are released on Poplar Island in the Chesapeake Bay.

Close-Up of a Young Grey Seal Standing Along the Shoreline of Assateague State Park With Its Tag Antenna Slightly Visible During Its Release

Selkie completes her recovery journey as the youngest seal ever treated at the Animal Care and Rescue Center and is released at Assateague State Park in Maryland.

Close-Up of a Baby Osprey With Its Mouth Open in a Nest Made of Sticks

Aquarium staff and volunteers weigh and band osprey chicks in Patuxent River Park in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

Aquarium Staff Members Holding Rainbow Flags While Walking in a Pride Parade

The National Aquarium participates in the Baltimore Pride Parade for the first time.

Close-Up of the Colorful Tentacles and the Bottom of the Bell of a Flower Hat Jelly That Is Resting on the Floor of the Jellies Invasion Exhibit

A flower hat jelly sits on a grate in Jellies Invasion.

Top-Down Aerial View of Henry Hall Summer Scholars Participants Standing Over a Sorting Table Filled With Small Fish on a Moving Research Boat

Henry Hall Summer Scholars in Dauphin Island, Alabama, sort through catch aboard the research vessel R/V Alabama Discovery.

The Sun Rising Over the Ocean off the Coast of a Patchy Salt Marsh in Dauphin Island

The sun rises over a salt marsh in Dauphin Island, Alabama.

Long Exposure of Stars Rotating in a Circle Around the North Star in the Night Sky and Its Reflection on the Water

A time-lapse image captures the movement of stars around the North Star, Polaris, at Taylor's Island on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Harriet Tubman lived in Dorchester County, Maryland, and used those same stars to navigate to freedom.

Aquarium Guest in Headphones Drawing in a Sketchbook While Standing Next to Jellyfish in the Jellies Invasion Exhibit

Guests enjoy Educator's Night, where they learn about Aquarium educational programming.

2 Kids, One Acting Very Surprised, Looking at Bugs on a Table Outside During an Urban Wildlife Conservation Day at Masonville Cove

Urban Wildlife Conservation Day participants spend a sunny day learning about local wildlife at Masonville Cove.

Double Exposure of a Person Kayaking Overlayed With Fall-Colored Leaves

A kayaker pauses to take a photo during an autumn afternoon at Lake Roland Park in Baltimore.

Voyages Artist, Dan Deacon, Performing While Glowing in the Spotlight With People Wearing Glowing Headphones in Front of Him

Guests dance the night away at Voyages: Chapter 6 with featured artist Dan Deacon.

Give for the Future

We hope you enjoyed these memorable moments from 2024! As a nonprofit, funding for our animal rescue, community programs and more depends on the generosity of people like you. Support our work by giving today to fund projects in 2025 and beyond or by signing up for our conservation newsletter to be the first to hear about volunteer opportunities.

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