At Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, we are dedicated to the health and safety of our animals as they are our highest priority.
From daily care to research and conservation initiatives, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada strictly adheres to the utmost standards of animal welfare and security. Our highly experienced husbandry team consists of over 25 animal experts responsible for monitoring and caring for our animals 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In addition to these expert marine biologists and aquarists, we also have three veterinarians on our team that specialize in marine organisms.
Aquarium Breeding Program
Where possible, we make every attempt to breed animals in our facilities.
Our aquariums have successfully bred and continue to breed animal species such as cownose rays, seahorses, cuttlefish, jellyfish, whitespotted bamboo sharks, various coral species and many others. We often collaborate with other aquariums that have similar breeding programs and exchange animals if and when needed. We also culture our own live food for some of our smaller animals such as jellyfish. Examples include single-cell algae, brine shrimp, rotifers and mysis shrimp.
Accreditation
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada voluntarily undergoes regular assessments by qualified zoo and aquarium associations such as the OSPCA (Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals).
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada has the distinct pleasure of being a participant in the conservation and science programs of the following associations: AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) and CAZA (Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums). The accreditation process is an independent verification with established criterions of animal care, education, conservation and research, which Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada meets and exceeds. In September 2015, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada was granted accreditation by AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission.
“The Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredits only those zoos and aquariums that meet the highest standards and are proven leaders in the care and conservation of wildlife as well as education,” said AZA President and CEO Jim Maddy. “The community can take great pride in knowing that Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of conservationists.”
To be accredited, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada underwent a thorough review to ensure it has and will continue to meet rising standards, which include animal care, veterinary programs, conservation, education, and safety. AZA requires zoos and aquariums to successfully complete this rigorous accreditation process every five years in order to be members of the Association.
