When people go to aquariums they often don’t think about the aquarists who care for the animals. At the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium Senior Aquarist Carly Hulse and Ambassador Animal Aquarist Claire D’Agostino manage hundreds of marine animals in preparation for the tens of thousands yearly museum visitors.
An aquarist is a person who professionally cares for aquatic animals and their habitats, often in public aquariums, zoos, or research facilities. They are responsible for maintaining the health and well-being of the animals, monitoring water quality, and ensuring the proper functioning of life support systems.
The National Shell Museum & Aquarium recently completed Phase 1 of the museum’s full re-design and re-installation of its shell exhibits and the Great Hall after Hurricane Ian significantly damaged it on Sept. 28, 2022. The Great Hall reopened on May 24…