The Northern Ireland Aquariums 20th Birthday
6th January 2007

After 20 years in operation Exploris - The Northern Ireland Aquarium is organising a number of events to mark its milestone birthday party.

The Northern Ireland Aquarium was opened by Ards Borough Council in 1987 to enable the public to view the amazingly diverse marine life that exists around our islands.
The conservation village of Portaferry was chosen as the ideal location. It is sited on the shores of the Marine Nature reserve of Strangford Lough which contains nearly three quarters of all the marine species to be found in Northern Irish waters.
As a result of the enormous popularity with both visitors and education groups the aquarium was extended and re-opened by Prince Charles in 1994 as Exploris.
The increased number of tanks enabled the aquarium to re-create a wide diversity of underwater communities which exist locally. This gave visitors the opportunity to really go on 'An Exploration of the Irish Sea' (Exploris).
As a unique educational and entertaining day out, Exploris has played host to close to 2 million visitors. Over the years Exploris has witnessed many significant developments which have kept it firmly lodged within the top ten paying tourist attractions in Northern Ireland, the most notable of which was the opening of the new purpose built seal sanctuary in 2000. Not only did this provide an essential state of the art rescue and rehabilitation centre for sick orphaned and injured seal pups but also included a new education suite and exhibition hall. Exploris has now rescued and released well over 200 seals back into their natural habitat since 1989 where Tania started by using a garden shed! As Tania Singleton Exploris Seal Rehabilitation Officer Reflects:

“Our seal rescue work started when a member of the public contacted the aquarium regarding a young grey seal pup found on a local beach. After being assessed and observed for a period, it became apparent that it needed help. At that time there were no seal rescue facilities in Northern Ireland so, after seeking advice, the seal was cared for at the aquarium. Initially we made do with a garden shed and the seawater pool at the entrance to the aquarium. As word spread of our rescue work, we started receiving more and more calls about seals and soon we were rescuing seals from around the whole of the Northern Irish coastline. Our limited facilities, however, meant that we could not cope with the increased numbers and some seal pups had to be transported to the RSPCA Wildlife Hospital in Norfolk. It became clear that a purpose built rescue centre was essential in Northern Ireland. Ards Borough Council, Northern Ireland Electricity and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board provided funding, and the sanctuary opened in autumn 1999.”
As the primary education platform on underwater life in and around our waters Exploris has been instrumental in providing informative and interactive events and educational programmes for school groups, families, senior citizens, special interest groups, tours and Eco warriors who are interested in learning more about the underwater life and supporting this unique resource.

Exploris will be celebrating its 20th Birthday in 2007. To mark the occasion, a number of special events will be hosted throughout the year including:

Exploris Energy Exhibition (Winter Exhibition) - Jan 19th - May 20th

Sustainable Energy Irelands - Guzzler Exhibition will be on display from January 19th - May 20th. A number of workshops and events will be available throughout this period for schools and families at weekends. Renewable Energy suppliers, distributors and specialists will be working in partnership to make this an interactive informative exhibition which will appeal to all.

Sea Monsters Myths and Legends (Summer Exhibition) - June 8th - Nov 4th
Weird and wonderful creatures of the deep (past and present) will surface for this interactive display. Creatures from Jurassic, Triassic and modern day are brought together with sea faring legends and mythical monsters with an interactive programme of events throughout.

Big Birthday Bonanza - 13,14,15 July
Exploris will be taking a trip back in time to the early 1800's to when the smugglers operated on Strangford Lough. Historical re-enactments of these deviant characters and relatives will take place throughout the day. Divers will feed the sharks and congers in the large open sea tank,

Claws and Jaws - 25,26,27 August
Exploris will be working in partnership with Belfast Zoo, Castle Espie, and The Shark Trust, with falconry displays, serpent handling and informative presentations to amuse everyone.

Sea Monster Melodies – 24th-28th September
Phoenix Flute and Harp visit Exploris to provide a lively interactive concert for nursery and primary school children on sea monster melodies. All instruments are provided. Two sessions will take place each day and schools/clubs will need to book in advance.
- Ends -

For further Information please visit www.exploris.org.uk or contact
Rory Martin – Exploris Events and Marketing Officer on 028 4272 8062
or email info@exploris.org.uk.

Notes to editors:
1. Full details of Exploris Sponsorship pack and the seal adoption programme can be found @ www.exploris.org.uk
2. Exploris is a fully accessible Ards Borough Council tourism facility.
3. Children under four go free!
4. For opening times and admission prices, please visit www.exploris.org.uk or Tel: 028 4272 8062, fax: 028 4272 8396 or email info@exploris.org.uk
5. Exploris will be close 24th, 25th and 26th December but will resume normal opening times thereafter.

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