Two Different Intern Perspectives On Save The Bay’s Aquarium, One Delighted Impression

Rebecca’s Inside Look Outside Visiting Hours

When first visiting the Save The Bay Exploration Center and Aquarium, I was surprised at both the curious building and location. Right on Easton’s Beach in Newport, the aquarium is nestled inside a small circular building. Don’t let the size fool you though. The cozy, 1,500-square-foot space is teeming with aquatic life, ranging from local regulars to tropical fish and impressive rarities.

As an intern for Save The Bay, I visited on a day when the aquarium was closed to the public and had the privilege of receiving a tour from Exploration Center and Aquarium Manager Adam Kovarsky, who knows the stories and importance of every creature present. It was amazing to hear about the range of species that came from our very own Narragansett Bay. It was even more impressive to hear the efforts taken on behalf of the organization to protect these species.

Adam pointed out that many of the species present are temporary guests, because whenever possible, Save The Bay returns the critters to their native habitat. In the case of a creature that comes to the aquarium unable to survive on their own in the Bay, the aquarium becomes their new home. Aquarium staff and interns diligently look after all the marine life and enthusiastically educate visitors on the importance of every species there. In leaving, I found it impossible not to walk away with a newfound appreciation for all the aquatic animals that make our Bay so beautiful and diverse. Don’t just take my word for it though. Andrew, a fellow intern, also made a visit and had his own thoughts about the experience.

Andrew: Happy as a Kid in an Aquarium

           

My first time at Save The Bay’s Exploration Center and Aquarium was to help out during the City of Newport’s Winterfest week in February. As a kid, I was always fond of aquariums, zoos and any other place that involved seeing and touching animals. The Save The Bay Exploration Center and Aquarium was like stepping into a time machine back to my younger days, and I felt the same excitement return to me as I approached the building.

It was an unusually warm afternoon for February and bound to be a lively day at the aquarium. As soon as the first group entered the building, anticipation filled the air. People and families of all ages flowed through the aquarium from one exhibit to the next. At one moment, learning about tropical strays in Narragansett Bay and the next, handling horseshoe crabs and skates in one of the touch tanks.

Although the Center is a rather compact space, it offers a surprising number of different animals and exhibits to take in. If anything, the coziness makes it a more intimate environment for getting up close and personal with the animals. You’ll never get an experience like you will at the Save The Bay Aquarium at any other of larger size. I have seen my fair share of animals in the Bay, but getting to experience such a fascinating array of them in one place was an eye-opening experience.

Visiting the aquarium is a really great way to gain a better understanding of the Bay and the animals that live in it. Even more importantly, Save The Bay’s aquarium is visual proof as to why the health of Narragansett Bay is so important. Without a healthy Narragansett Bay, we would lose all sorts of incredible animals and our whole ecosystem would struggle. Thanks to Save The Bay’s efforts, the Exploration Center and Aquarium is an excellent reminder of the vitality of Narragansett Bay to the community and a fun place to pass the afternoon with friends and family.

Come visit the Save The Bay Exploration Center and Aquarium to say hello to all of our incredible species soon! Our winter (Labor Day-Memorial Day) admission hours are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. We are located at 175 Memorial Blvd, Newport, RI 02840.