Our Best Photos of 2025

Reminisce with us as we look back at our favorite National Aquarium photographs from 2025.

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The new year is just around the corner, but that doesn't mean we're ready to say goodbye to 2025! We're reflecting on an action-packed year full of significant events, including Voyages: Chapter 7 and Baltimore Pride, seal and sea turtle rescues, trips to Maryland's state parks, and so many moments with animals in and around the Aquarium. This is all part of our mission to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet—in 2025 and beyond.

Close-Up of Two Dolphin Trainers Measuring a Dolphin Floating on Its Back, From Its Rostrum to Tail, With a Green Measuring Tape

Marine mammal trainers in Dolphin Discovery measure the length of Beau, an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin. Measurements and other examinations are part of the dolphin colony's preventative care.

Grey Seal Swimming Mostly Submerged With Her Eyes Poking Out of the Water and a Blue Chip on Her Head at the Animal Care and Rescue Center

Rescued grey seal pup Waverly receives treatment at the Aquarium's Animal Care and Rescue Center during a busy seal rescue season. Waverly was released at Assateague State Park in Berlin, Maryland, in April.

A Green Pipefish Hiding in Green Grass in the Aquarium's Surviving Through Adaptation Exhibit

A pipefish in Surviving Through Adaptation blends into its environment.

Aerial View of Water Winding Through a Salt Marsh at Janes Island State Park

Water flows through a salt marsh at Janes Island State Park in Crisfield, Maryland.

Volunteer Holding a Sea Turtle by Its Shell Just Above the Wet Sand at the Shoreline During Its Release

Staff and volunteers from National Aquarium Animal Rescue and North Carolina State Parks release rehabilitated sea turtles at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area in Kure Beach, North Carolina.

A Half-Submerged Caiman in the Amazon River Forest Exhibit Staring Through the Exhibit's Glass With Her Eyes Poking Out of the Water

A caiman in Amazon River Forest watches guests during a Member Evening, an exclusive event for National Aquarium members.

Two American Oystercatchers With Black and White Bodies, Orange Beaks and Orange Eyes Fly Over Assateague State Park on an Overcast Day

Two American oystercatchers fly over Assateague State Park.

Close-Up of a North American River Otter Poking Its Head Out of the Inner Harbor Near Harbor Wetland

A North American river otter visits Harbor Wetland® presented by CFG Bank—one of many animal visitors during Harbor Wetland's first 365 days.

Three Blue-Headed Pionus Chicks Sitting on a White Towel Behind the Scenes at the Aquarium

Aquarium Animal Care and Animal Health teams care for three blue-headed pionus chicks that hatched behind the scenes of Upland Tropical Rain Forest.

Yellow-Footed Tortoise Walking Away From Excited Guests During an Animal Encounter

Joey, a yellow-footed tortoise, delights guests during an Animal Encounter for World Ocean Day. He is target trained, which helps him participate in his care.

An Aquarium Staff Member's Hand and a Baltimore Pride Parade Attendee's Hand Exchange a Special Pride Sticker, Featuring the Aquarium's Building Decorated With Rainbow Colors

Employees and volunteers represent the National Aquarium in the Baltimore Pride Parade for the second year in a row.

Ruby-Throated Hummingbird Hovering Near a Red Flower

A ruby-throated hummingbird hovers next to a beebalm flower at Cromwell Valley Park in Baltimore County.

Three Blue Poison Dart Frogs Interact Among the Moss and Rocks in Upland Tropical Rain Forest

Three blue poison dart frogs interact in Upland Tropical Rain Forest. The Aquarium houses two populations of poison dart frogs that require special care to keep them thriving.

A Blurry Shot of Lights Streaking Across Performers From Submersive Productions Wearing Colorful Fish Costumes Among Guests at Voyages: Chapter 7

Team members from Submersive Productions invite Aquarium guests to join an ocean puppet festival for Voyages: Chapter 7.

A Fourspot Flounder Hides in the Sand With Its Eyes Visible in Its Pool at the Aquarium's Animal Care and Rescue Center

A fourspot flounder hides in the sand at the bottom of its pool at the Animal Care and Rescue Center.

Young Guest Leaning Over a Touchpool at the National Aquarium's Living Seashore Exhibit, Getting His Arm and Nose Wet

A guest gets up close to animals in our Living Seashore touchpools.

Birds Flying in a Circular Formation Over the Lush Greenery of Assateague Island on a Cloudy Day

Birds fly over Assateague Island National Seashore.

Green Sea Turtle Swimming in Blacktip Reef While Silhouetted Guests Watch From Above

Green sea turtle Kai makes her debut in Blacktip Reef. After a boat strike accident, Kai was deemed non-releasable and has spent several years under the Aquarium's care.

Aerial View of the Sun Setting Over the Inner Harbor and the National Aquarium, Creating a Pink and Blue Sky Above the Lights of Baltimore's Buildings

The sun sets over Baltimore's Inner Harbor.

Child Flipping Through a Colorful Book About Birds at a Read to Reef Event

Families gather at the Hampden Branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library as part of Read to Reef. This program offers free admission to the Aquarium for Baltimore-area children and their families through participation in our book club in partnership with Pratt Library.

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