Eastern Shores
We welcome you to this brand new exhibit featuring animals from America's eastern coast!
Open Thursdays - Sundays from 10 am - 1 pm.
Eastern Shores Exhibit
Eastern Shores is a new touch pool experience featuring diverse species like horseshoe crabs, sea stars, spider crabs, knobbed whelks, channeled whelks, purple urchins, sheepshead minnows, and killifish.
The habitat shares the footprint of BHA's former, decade-old Tidepool exhibit, but is rebuilt with accessibility and increased animal wellbeing in mind. Where it was once necessary to stand and step up to see the animals, the pool surface is now lower and accessible to guests of all ages and mobilities.
A message from Aquarium & Conservatory Director Michelle Coley:
"We are so excited that members of our community will get to see their local aquarium in a new way, meet some new animals, gain some new learning experiences, and build a stronger connection to marine life on the other side of the country while learning about how to preserve and protect these amazing places in the world. We want our community to know we are committed to providing opportunities for learning, exploration, and connection - and that we are always working to strive for the best possible welfare for our animals."
FAQs
Among the species represented are horseshoe crabs, knobbed whelks, channeled whelks, spider crabs, sea stars, purple urchins, sheepshead minnows, and killifish. With the guidance of BHA staff, guests will be able to touch the horseshoe crabs, knobbed whelks, and channeled whelks. While it's okay to gently touch a spider crab, please remember that these animals can pinch.
As always, only a gentle two-finger touch is allowed.
