The future of the Vancouver Aquarium has been assured with an agreement signed on April 14, 2021 to transfer its ownership from Ocean Wise Conservation Association to Herschend Enterprises.

The agreement ensures that Vancouver will continue to have a world-class aquarium with the financial strength to continue building on its 64-years of success as an animal care and animal rescue facility, a cherished educational venue, and one of BC’s top tourist and event destinations.

The agreement is the result of a diligent process initiated by Ocean Wise to save the Aquarium from permanent closure as a result of severe financial challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Herschend has acquired 100% ownership of the Vancouver Aquarium which will continue to be led by Chief Operating Officer, Clint Wright, who has been with the Vancouver Aquarium for more than 30 years. Ocean Wise will remain an independent charitable non-profit ocean conservation organization led by renowned conservationist Lasse Gustavsson.

Herschend is a leading US-based attractions and tourism operator, and the owner of two aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (“AZA”). AZA accreditation represents the highest standard in animal care and welfare while providing a fun, safe, and educational family experience. The focus of Herschend’s aquariums is to inspire families to learn more, care more, and do more for animals and their environments.

“This is a very positive outcome that secures both the future of the Vancouver Aquarium and the Marine Mammal Rescue Centre,” said Clint Wright, Chief Operating Officer of the Vancouver Aquarium. “I have been fortunate to spend almost my entire career at the Vancouver Aquarium and I look forward to continuing to lead the organization as we emerge from the challenges of the pandemic and write the Aquarium’s next chapter. I have known the Herschend team for many years, they share our values, and I am extremely optimistic about the new and exciting opportunities that will be open to us with Herschend’s financial and creative support.”

“This is a thrilling and humbling day for our company as we begin our relationship with such a renowned institution,” said Andrew Wexler, Chief Executive Officer of Herschend Enterprises. “As a long-time aquarium operator we have always admired the Vancouver Aquarium as the gold standard in the industry for its combination of animal care, educational focus and exceptional family experience. We intend to build on this track record, enhancing the Vancouver Aquarium as an attraction for local and international visitors, and continuing to support the dozens of initiatives that make the Aquarium such a vital part of the local, national and international community. It is also important to us that the Vancouver Aquarium is exactly that – Vancouver’s aquarium, offering a unique, local and authentic experience that is not available anywhere else.”

As part of the agreement, Herschend will donate 1% of annual gross revenues from the Vancouver Aquarium to Ocean Wise to support the organization’s ambitious conservation program.

“Ocean Wise is pleased to have gained Herschend as an ally in our conservation mission through their annual donation and our mutual desire for future collaboration,” said Lasse Gustavsson, President and CEO of Ocean Wise. “Going forward, Ocean Wise will continue to focus on solving the biggest challenges facing our oceans: climate change, pollution and overfishing.”

Ocean Wise’s conservation initiatives – including Ocean Wise Seafood, Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup, Ocean Bridge and many others – will continue to grow and have impact across Canada and globally.

Maintaining the Vancouver Aquarium’s Local and International Prominence

Herschend intends to build on the Aquarium’s exemplary track record and enhance the things that have made it so successful, while remaining true to the Aquarium’s founding principles “to attain the highest possible standard of animal care within a top-notch facility that provides an informative and educational guest experience.”

A first step for Herschend and the Vancouver Aquarium’s management will be to undertake a comprehensive consultation with the Aquarium’s guests, partners, stakeholders and staff to solicit input on enhancements they would like to see at the facility. This input will be critical in a developing a long-term plan for post-pandemic success and growth.

As it looks toward re-opening, Herschend is committed to furthering the Aquarium’s role and relationships:

  • Experienced local leadership – the Aquarium will continue to be managed from Vancouver, with Canadian leadership and local staff. In planning for a re-opening, Herschend will look to hire many of the Aquarium’s former employees.
  • Meaningful commitments to the community – including a continued connection with schools, community groups and families, and remaining an important employer and venue in Vancouver’s tourism infrastructure.
  • Supporting ocean conservation – the Aquarium’s acclaimed Marine Mammal Rescue program will continue to operate as it does today. As well, Herschend will donate 1% of gross revenues from the Vancouver Aquarium to Ocean Wise to support research and conservation initiatives.

Additional details can be found in the full release here.