Eh...
Written: Sep 14 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: it is an aquarium, the exterior looks nice at night
Cons: small, uninspired, could have been so much more
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| liberator76's Full Review: New Jersey State Aquarium |
When I heard they were building an aquarium just across the river from my hometown of Philadelphia, I was filled with excitement. I had been to the fabulous Baltimore aquarium, I had been to the incomparable Monterey Bay Aquarium and I had always longed for one near my own hometown. I was excited. I was young while the project was underway, but still I followed the paper for word on the new aquarium. When it finally opened, reviews were tepid, but still I had faith. Until I went.
The New Jersey State aquarium is simply not a good or interesting aquarium. It is small, it is unimpressive and it is filled with boring gray fish. Like the Monterey Bay aquarium in California, the New Jersey State aquarium is filled with local species. It doesn't take an idiot to figure out that the Pacific Ocean is a bit more interesting than the Delaware River. I remember when I visited the NJ aquarium, trash had been strewn across the bottom of the largest tank to give it a more "natural feel." The floor of the tank was scattered with old tires and rusty shopping carts. This is not what I wanted to see. Since then, the habitat designers have removed the garbage due to public objection.
The best thing the NJ state aquarium had to offer was the "touch the shark" tank. They threw these small sharks and rays in a shallow tank. As they swam in perpetual circles, you could touch them as they passed you. This was a vaguely exciting exhibit, but would have been better if it weren't the only thing of interest.
Don't get me wrong, the NJ state aquarium isn't a dump, it's just not much more than a really big fish tank. You can see the entire thing as soon as you walk in the front door. There are no surprises. I was thoroughly disappointed. The one room Lobster Hatchery in Southwest Harbor, Maine was a far more inspired and engaging experience. I learned more there and had a better time. I am sad to say, that for me, the NJ state aquarium was just an all around dull experience.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
liberator76
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Member: buster packwood
Location: philly pa
Reviews written: 99
Trusted by: 44 members
About Me:
If you want to get close to me just read my reviews.
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