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."
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.
Thursday, May 16 2013 1:17 PM EDT2013-05-16 17:17:42 GMT
Several New York lawmakers are sounding the alarm about security and safety lapses at day care centers across New York City.
Several New York lawmakers are sounding the alarm about security and safety lapses at day care centers across New York City. In a report released Thursday, dozens of daycares cited by the Dept. of Health for serious and critical health code violations since 2010, have not fixed the problems and continue to operate without penalty.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 11:08 PM EDT2013-05-16 03:08:35 GMT
A judge in Manhattan put the brakes on the so-called Taxi of Tomorrow because the Nissan-built minivan does not come in a hybrid version -- a violation of the city code.
A judge in Manhattan put the brakes on the so-called Taxi of Tomorrow because the Nissan-built minivan does not come in a hybrid version -- a violation of the city code.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 8:32 AM EDT2013-05-15 12:32:22 GMT
An opponent has filed a lawsuit against Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes claiming a scheduled film would give Hynes an unfair advantage in the September primary.
An opponent has filed a lawsuit against Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes claiming a scheduled film would give Hynes an unfair advantage in the September primary.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 9:54 PM EDT2013-05-15 01:54:43 GMT
The FDNY must subject itself to court supervision for five years to ensure it does not discriminate against blacks and Hispanics in its hiring practices, a federal appeals court said.
The FDNY must subject itself to court supervision for five years to ensure it does not discriminate against blacks and Hispanics in its hiring practices, a federal appeals court said.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 3:59 PM EDT2013-05-14 19:59:22 GMT
USDA photo
The tree-killing Asian longhorned beetle has been eradicated from Manhattan and Staten Island, but remains a problem in Brooklyn, Queens, and parts of Long Island.
The tree-killing Asian longhorned beetle has been eradicated from Manhattan and Staten Island, but remains a problem in Brooklyn, Queens, and parts of Long Island, according to state agriculture officials.
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