Cleaning ... With Crocs

Cleaning is part of everyday National Aquarium life. But some exhibits present more challenges—and toothier inhabitants—than others.

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The steady growth of algae, the influx of food, the inevitable animal droppings ... keeping up with it all means cleaning is built into the National Aquarium Animal Care team's schedule. Some exhibits are small and can be tidied with a few wipes of a scrubbing pad. Others are huge and need teams of divers to brush, scrape and vacuum for hours on end. And many are home to animals whose size, teeth, or temperament require a few extra steps in the cleaning plan. A great example is the Johnston's crocodile habitat in Australia: Wild Extremes. Herpetologist Drew Roderuck explains what it's like to clean with crocodiles hanging around.

See if you can spot any Animal Care staff and volunteers cleaning various exhibits during your next visit!

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