Our hearts and thoughts are with the people of Japan -- and for us especially with colleagues at our two sister aquariums: Tokyo Sea Life Park and Aquamarine Fukushima.
The good news is that there was apparently no loss of human life from the devastating March 11 earthquake and tsunami. Sadly, Aquamarine Fukushima -- which sits closer to the epicenter and was hit by tsunami waters -- will lose much of its living collection. We just learned from the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums that arrangements are being made to move the surviving mammals and birds to other zoos and aquariums in Japan. This includes Eurasian otters, walruses, Steller sea lions and tufted puffins.
This video clip, posted to our Facebook page, shows Aquamarine Fukushima in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami. As you'll see, its beautiful buildings are standing but show damage to the first floor from floodwaters. Life support systems and seawater intake lines have been knocked out, according to the information we've received.
Monterey Bay Aquarium has enjoyed sister aquarium relationships with both institutions for many years. We've welcomed staff from the two Japanese aquariums here in Monterey, and our staff have interned in Japan. Our connections are deep, personal and long-lasting. So the news of damage, loss and recovery is all the more painful.
Our concern is compounded by unfolding news of serious problems at the nuclear power plants located just 40 miles from Aquamarine Fukushima. (UPDATE: The situation appears to be worsening.)
As we find ways to be of help to our sister aquariums, and as we learn more about their evolving situation, we'll let you know. Right now, Japan's most pressing need is disaster relief. A number of respected international organizations have risen to the challenge. You can support their work with online or text message donations.
And please: Hold them close in your hearts.
I hope they can recover...
Posted by: Soma | September 02, 2011 at 08:18 AM
My sincere prayer is there to god for those people who suffered a lot in Japan disaster. I love the country because there is a full fledged love in the people for their country.
Posted by: HAP | June 03, 2011 at 12:30 AM
Truly a disaster. I hope Japan can recover such calamity.
Posted by: Chiropractics Seattle | March 28, 2011 at 07:13 AM
about 200,000 fish and marine animals have died due to no electricity to keep the water temperature or lack of food. we shouldn't reconstruct another "aquarium".
Posted by: Noro152 | March 25, 2011 at 04:47 AM
Such loss. We can't believe it. To honor the marine life at Aquamarine Fukushima we created a video from our recent visit and also hope to raise awareness.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoeMGNXSnKY
Posted by: Tom | March 23, 2011 at 02:13 PM
It is truly tragic the magnitude of this disaster. Once the radiation hits the oceans, lakes and food system it becomes nearly impossible to control.
Posted by: Lake Mat | March 21, 2011 at 02:23 PM
no loss of life???
Posted by: unbelieveable@net.com | March 19, 2011 at 05:25 PM