| 2000 in Review - Aquarium News | |
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Although it is hard to outdo the top fish story of 1999 (the famous goldfish down the chimney), this year was not totally devoid of fish news.
February - Police Save GoldfishThe year started out with a bang when artist Marco Evaristti created a highly controversial "art" exhibit consisting of fish swimming around in blenders. Visitors had the option of turning the blenders on, much to the distress of fish lovers and humanitarians everywhere. Thankfully police quickly interceded and removed the exhibit. Mr Marco has not been seen in the news since. Hopefully he has steered clear of blenders. March - Robofish, River Forest Exhibit, Baby Stingrays
Mechanical devices were again in the news when robotic fish were unveiled at a Tokyo toy fair. Termed ''Aquaroid Fish'', the line of mechanical fish included a crab and jellyfish (complete with moving tentacles). Unfortunately the fish were nowhere to be found during this years Christmas toy shopping season. Guess we'll have to wait a while longer for remote controlled fish. The Amazon River Forest was the featured addition to the world-renowned National Aquarium in Baltimore's tropical rain forest exhibit. Among the thousands of fish in the display were species so rare that they have yet to be named. A Detroit couple where told their new babies resembled.. well... something not exactly human.A Detroit couple where told their new babies resembled.. well... something not exactly human. Surprisingly they were quite pleased at the news. Their offspring were freshwater stingrays, which are notoriously hard to breed. At last report the youngsters were doing well. April - Africa's Lake Victoria
In the spring the New England Aquarium opened an exhibit featuring the world's second largest lake - Africa's Lake Victoria. Displays included hundreds of cichlids, the air breathing lungfish, and an electric elephant-nosed fish. May - Amazon Rising Tour
Shedd Aquarium gave guests a journey through time in their "Amazon Rising: Seasons of the River" exhibit. Hailed as world's largest freshwater river system, the Amazon River forms the backbone of one of the most diverse habitats on earth. The exhibit featured 200 species of fish in addition to many other forms of aquatic life. June - Goldfish in Tree
Fire fighters and human societies are usually called to rescue cats from trees. Not so in the United Kingdom this summer where a RSPCA inspector was called upon to rescue a goldfish stuck in a tree. The rescued fish survived and has since been christened with the name of Biggles. July - Lake Sturgeon Return, Great Lakes Aquarium Opens
The king of fishes of fishes made a triumphant return to the French Broad River. The majestic Sturgeon which reach eight feet in length and weigh about 300 pounds, have disappeared entirely from their native habitats in the Tennessee River Basin. A reintroduction project which is slated to continue for years to come, culminated in the release of the sturgeon. It is hoped they will eventually produce a sustainable population. The end of July saw the opening of the nation's only aquarium devoted strictly to freshwater habitats and species. Located on Lake Superior, the world's largest lake by surface area, the Great Lakes Aquarium features many educational programs in addition to their freshwater exhibits. September - Piranha Caught in Michigan
A Michigan fisherman knew he had the fish story of a lifetime to tell when he snagged a 3-pound, 16-inch-long piranha. Baiting a single hook with leftover barbecued chicken, he had no idea he'd be snagging one of the world's most vicious fish. Needless to say he now has a nice trophy hanging on his wall. October - Take a Fish to Work
This fall the American Pet Products Manufacturing Association sponsored one of the most unusual events in a long while. They declared Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2000 as "Take a Fish to Work" day. Touted as stress-relief for employees, employers were encouraged to consider aquariums as part of the office decor. One company went so far as to install aquariums as dividers instead of traditional cubicle walls. Now that's my kind of work place! November - School Installs Aquarium
It certainly wasn't the usual classroom addition. Principal Gary Hamilton could have used the school's environmental education funds for any number of items. But this year he elected to purchase a 125 gallon aquarium. Teachers and students alike are very excited about using the new aquarium to learn more about water based ecosystems. December - Reality TV Aquarium
Sooner or later it had to happen. Not to be outdone by the Survivor type shows, a Norwegian internet company has brought reality TV to both the internet and the aquarium in one fell swoop. Cameras trained on an aquarium allowd visitors to follow the day to day activities of the fish. The viewers voted fish out of the bowl each week until one fish remained on December 8th. No reports have been given about the fish who were voted off. Hopefully they did not end up at a Sushi bar!
Happy New Year!!
