Coney Island's New York Aquarium, which was devastated by Superstorm Sandy, will partially reopen in late spring, the Wildlife Conservation Society announced. A specific date has not been set.
Glover's Reef exhibits in Main Hall, outdoor spaces of Sea Cliffs that house the walrus, sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters and penguins, and a remodeled Aquatheater with a new sea lion demonstration will open, the WCS said. Education programs will resume on a limited basis.
"The New York Aquarium has been an important part of the economic, cultural, educational and scientific community of Brooklyn since 1957," said Cristián Samper, the president and CEO of the Wildlife Conservation Society. "We know all efforts to reopen the New York Aquarium are vital to the rebirth of Coney Island. This partial reopening will ensure that the aquarium can help all of New York City experience a strong comeback from the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy."
When Superstorm Sandy slammed the tristate on Oct. 29, 2012, the historic storm surge rushed passed the Coney Island boardwalk and flooded all buildings at the 14-acre aquarium, significantly damaging the heating, air conditioning, electrical power and distribution equipment, and aquatic life support systems, according to the WCS.
Most of the aquarium's creatures survived, but some fish and invertebrates housed in a few tanks died.
The price tag to fully restore the site is still unclear, but the society's rough estimate is about $65 million.
"Many New York families and institutions were devastated by Hurricane Sandy," Samper said. "WCS is proud to be a part of the comeback spirit of our great City of New York."
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:27 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:27:26 GMT
Black and Hispanic men are more likely to be stopped in the Bronx and Brooklyn than other boroughs, according to an analysis of police street stop data released Wednesday by the New York Civil Liberties Union.
Black and Hispanic men are more likely to be stopped in the Bronx and Brooklyn than other boroughs, according to an analysis of police street stop data released Wednesday by the New York Civil Liberties Union.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:23 AM EDT2013-05-22 12:23:21 GMT
Ex-congressman Anthony Weiner whose career imploded after raunchy tweets said in a YouTube video announcement that he's in the New York City mayoral race.
Ex-congressman Anthony Weiner whose career imploded after raunchy tweets said in a YouTube video announcement that he's in the New York City mayoral race. A poll released Wednesday placed Weiner in second place behind City Council Speaker Christine Quinn in a Democratic primary.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 1:15 PM EDT2013-05-21 17:15:24 GMT
An NYPD detective is accused of hacking into department computers and obtaining information about dozens of people including co-workers. Edwin Vargas was arrested Tuesday outside his home in Bronxville.
An NYPD detective is accused of hacking into department computers and obtaining information about dozens of people including co-workers.
Monday, May 20 2013 10:28 PM EDT2013-05-21 02:28:23 GMT
After Assemblyman Vito Lopez resigned over claims of serial sexual harassment of female staffers, attention turned to whether powerful Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver should continue his leadership.
After Assemblyman Vito Lopez resigned over claims of serial sexual harassment of female staffers, attention turned to whether powerful Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver should continue his leadership.
Sunday, May 19 2013 10:57 PM EDT2013-05-20 02:57:40 GMT
The federal judge presiding over civil rights challenges to the stop-and-frisk practices of the New York Police Department has no doubt where she stands with the government.
The federal judge presiding over civil rights challenges to the stop-and-frisk practices of the New York Police Department has no doubt where she stands with the government.
Sunday, May 19 2013 8:35 PM EDT2013-05-20 00:35:12 GMT
A bicyclist was killed when he was struck by a livery cab in Brooklyn early Sunday morning. Police say the victim was riding eastbound on Eastern Parkway between Underhill and Washington Avenues
A bicyclist was killed when he was struck by a livery cab in Brooklyn early Sunday morning. Police say the victim was riding eastbound on Eastern Parkway between Underhill and Washington Avenues
Friday, May 17 2013 9:12 PM EDT2013-05-18 01:12:56 GMT
A welcome sight in Coney Island: workers cleaning umbrellas, wiping down counters, and putting the finishing touches on a rebuilt Original Nathan's Famous.
A welcome sight in Coney Island: workers cleaning umbrellas, wiping down counters, and putting the finishing touches on a rebuilt Original Nathan's Famous.
Friday, May 17 2013 8:28 PM EDT2013-05-18 00:28:27 GMT
Democratic Assemblyman Vito Lopez, who represents New York City, said he will resign June 20 amid a sexual harassment scandal and run for a City Council seat.
Democratic Assemblyman Vito Lopez, who represents New York City, said he will resign June 20 amid a sexual harassment scandal and run for a City Council seat.
Thursday, May 16 2013 9:58 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:58:24 GMT
Prospect Park is a 558-acre urban oasis in the heart of Brooklyn; perfect for running, relaxation, and recreation. While hundreds take advantage of the trails and paths, many here were surprised to learn
Prospect Park is a 558-acre urban oasis in the heart of Brooklyn; perfect for running, relaxation, and recreation. While hundreds take advantage of the trails and paths, many here were surprised to learn
Thursday, May 16 2013 6:06 PM EDT2013-05-16 22:06:34 GMT
A smuggling ring that made a fortune selling more than a million cartons of untaxed cigarettes in New York may have funneled some of the illicit proceeds to terrorist groups, authorities said.
A smuggling ring that made a fortune selling more than a million cartons of untaxed cigarettes in New York may have funneled some of the illicit proceeds to terrorist groups, authorities said.
© WCS
