Learn about endangered species at the Virginia Aquarium

Educator and community engagement coordinator Max Wright talks about Endangered Species Day at the Digital Desk.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — What is an endangered species? Do you know people who live near you in Hampton Roads? What about globally?

Friday, May 17 is Endangered Species Day. The annual day marks a time for the public to learn more about endangered species and efforts to help them.

The Virginia Aquarium joined the Digital Desk to discuss endangered species, activity programming and continuing education. Watch the conversation in the video player on this page.

Educator and community engagement coordinator Max Wright shared what you need to know about species found locally in Hampton Roads and around the world.

What is an endangered species?

When a species is threatenedAccording to the US Geological Survey, this means the species is in danger of extinction.

Saying that a kind is that threatened takes a step back. Endangered species are likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future.

To understand the full description and determining factors, read the text from the Endangered Species Act of 1973, here.

Here are photos of endangered species at the Virginia Aquarium, below.

What is the Endangered Species Act?

The law was signed into law by President Richard Nixon in 1973. According to NOAAthe law “provides a framework for the conservation and protection of endangered species and their habitats, both domestically and abroad.”

Read the Endangered Species Act of 1973 on the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website.

In 2023, the Endangered Species Act is 50 years old. The list has changed over the years. In 2023, the list grew by thousands of species.

Just two weeks ago, the House of Representatives voted to remove gray wolves from the endangered species list in 48 states. Currently, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working to complete one first-ever national wolf recovery planwhich is expected to be completed by December 2025.

The U.S. House of Representatives votes to remove wolves from the endangered species list in 48 states

Who decides what is threatened?

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. looks at the conservation status of species internationally. Other agencies that deal with endangered species exist in various regions around the world, such as agencies in the United States.

Events at the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center

Visit the aquarium on Friday, May 17 to celebrate Endangered Species Day.

Activities will take place in the North Building, including matching games, a treasure hunt and more. A local author Geremiah will be present in the Promenade Hall and participate in some activities.

Don’t miss your chance to win a rare endangered species trading card created by the aquarium, available while supplies last. The trading cards share information about the animals’ adoption dates, keeper knowledge, favorite snacks and more.

Some of the endangered species at the museum featured on the trading cards include: Pennie, Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle, Teman, Komodo Dragon, Ralf, Tomistoma Crocodile and Mena, Zebra Shark.

Visit virginiaaquarium.com for more information about the aquarium’s exhibitions and events.

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