A Day as a Volunteer at the National Aquarium

On October 5th, I had the incredible opportunity to volunteer for a day at the National Aquarium. This was part of our school activities program, and it turned out to be one of the most educational and enjoyable experiences I’ve had this year.

Behind the Scenes

As volunteers, we were given special access to the behind-the-scenes operations of the aquarium. It was fascinating to learn about the complex systems that maintain the different aquatic environments and the meticulous care that goes into ensuring the health and wellbeing of all the animals.

We received detailed instructions on how to prepare food for different species and the specific dietary requirements of various marine and freshwater creatures. The staff explained how they monitor water quality, temperature, and other environmental factors crucial for the animals’ survival.

Feeding Time

One of the highlights of the day was participating in feeding sessions for different animals. It was incredible to see how each species had its own unique feeding behaviors and preferences. The staff showed us the proper techniques for feeding various animals while explaining the importance of maintaining their natural feeding patterns.

My Favorite: The Capybara

While the aquarium had an impressive array of aquatic life, my absolute favorite part of the day was meeting the capybaras! These gentle giants are the largest rodents in the world and have such calm, friendly personalities. Their enclosure was designed to mimic their natural habitat, with both land and water areas.

We learned that capybaras are highly social animals that live in groups in the wild. They’re also excellent swimmers with partially webbed feet and can hold their breath underwater for up to five minutes! Getting to observe these amazing creatures up close was definitely the highlight of my day.

Learning Experience

This volunteer opportunity was not just fun but also incredibly educational. I gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of conservation efforts and the role that aquariums play in protecting endangered species and educating the public about marine and freshwater ecosystems.

The staff shared stories about rescue and rehabilitation programs and how many of the animals at the aquarium were saved from dangerous situations or nursery-raised as part of conservation breeding programs.

Final Thoughts

Volunteering at the National Aquarium was a truly rewarding experience that combined education with hands-on activities. It gave me a new perspective on the incredible diversity of aquatic life and the importance of preserving these species for future generations.

I would highly recommend this volunteer program to anyone interested in marine biology, conservation, or simply learning more about the fascinating creatures that share our planet. And of course, don’t miss the capybaras – they’re absolutely worth the visit!