South Carolina Aquarium honored with National Award for Exhibit Design

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) announced that the South Carolina Aquarium has been recognized with AZA’s 2018 Exhibit Design Award for its significant achievement in creating the Zucker Family Sea Turtle Recovery™ hospital and exhibit. South Carolina Aquarium received this national award during AZA’s September conference in Seattle.

“This award is the highest honor in exhibit design, and honors South Carolina Aquarium for designing a novel, immersive habitat that ensures high-quality animal care and welfare as well as meaningful guest experiences,” said AZA President and CEO Dan Ashe. “Zucker Family Sea Turtle Recovery goes above and beyond AZA’s rigorous standards for animal management, safety, conservation, and education.”

With its annual Exhibit Award, AZA recognizes excellence by an AZA-accredited Institution (US or International) or Related Facility member in the areas of exhibit design and providing visitors with the opportunity to engage in observing and learning about the animals.

The South Carolina Aquarium is leading the way in the rescue, rehabilitation and release of sick and injured sea turtles. For 17 years, a dedicated team of staff and volunteers operated a behind-the-scenes sea turtle hospital out of public view. Now, both a fully-staffed hospital and an interactive exhibit, Zucker Family Sea Turtle Recovery™, makes the rehabilitation of sick and injured sea turtles visible to every guest who visits the Aquarium.

“We hope to inspire care for endangered sea turtles by exposing our guests to the sophisticated care we provide to sick and injured turtle patients,” said Kevin Mills, South Carolina Aquarium President and CEO. “Zucker Family Sea Turtle Recovery resides at the intersection of our conservation, education and guest experience mission. It’s at once a learning laboratory and interactive exhibit where sea turtles are brought back to life in full public view.”

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources was a collaborative partner on this project.

To learn more about AZA’s Honors and Awards, please visit https://www.aza.org/honors-awards.

About the South Carolina Aquarium

The South Carolina Aquarium, Charleston’s No. 1 family attraction, features thousands of aquatic animals from river otters and sharks to loggerhead turtles in more than 60 exhibits representing the rich biodiversity of South Carolina from the mountains to the sea. Dedicated to promoting education and conservation, the Aquarium also presents sweeping views of the Charleston harbor along with interactive exhibits and programs for visitors of all ages.

The South Carolina Aquarium is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. the Aquarium is closed Thanksgiving Day, half day Dec. 24 (open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and Dec. 25. Admission prices are: Toddlers (2 and under) free; Youth (3-12) $22.95; Adults (13+) $29.95. For more information, call (843) 577-FISH (3474), or visit scaquarium.org.

About AZA

Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, animal welfare, education, science, and recreation. AZA is the accrediting body for the top zoos and aquariums in the United States and seven other countries. Look for the AZA accreditation logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. The AZA is a leader in saving species and your link to helping animals all over the world. To learn more, visit www.aza.org.

Photo caption: Willow Melamet, sea turtle care center manager, and Karen Monahan, director of marketing and strategic communications, accept the exhibit design award at AZA’s annual conference in Seattle.