Inside Daily Operations at New England Aquarium
See how staff manage the health of 10,000 animals through precise morning routines.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Aquariums
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The New England Aquarium readies for daily operations through a rigorous morning routine that includes animal care and water quality monitoring. This internal process ensures the health of more than 10,000 animals, including 750 residing in the facility's 200,000-gallon Giant Ocean Tank.
Why it matters
Maintaining a $58 million facility requires constant vigilance to protect the welfare of thousands of animals and the experience of over 1.2 million annual visitors. These daily protocols are essential for sustaining the aquarium's complex aquatic ecosystems.
The facility employs 263 staff members who oversee 10,000 total animals and support a membership base of 14,000. Daily operations include filtering water drawn directly from the Boston Harbor.
The players
New England Aquarium
A major Boston institution and conservation center that manages a $58 million annual operating budget.
Jenn Chamberlain
A manager at the aquarium who oversees daily water quality testing and habitat health monitoring.
Jordan Baker
An aquarist who has worked at the facility for seven years, focusing on animal feeding and temperature regulation.
The details
Operations begin early as aquarists defrost food and prepare specialized diets tailored for the 10,000 animals on-site. Simultaneously, managers conduct frequent water quality tests on samples collected from various tanks and the Boston Harbor source water to ensure optimal conditions. This precise monitoring of chemistry and temperature is critical for the survival of the diverse species held within the facility.
Timeline
7 a.m. Aquarist Jordan Baker begins feeding preparations.
7:30 a.m. Manager Jenn Chamberlain begins water quality testing.
8 a.m. Jordan Baker checks invertebrate tank temperatures.
8:20 a.m. Jenn Chamberlain greets stingrays in the main tank.
8:45 a.m. Jenn Chamberlain analyzes water samples in the lab.
The Home Front
These daily protocols align with the high standards expected of major public institutions that manage significant aquatic biodiversity. Such rigorous monitoring reflects a broader industry trend toward data-driven animal care in urban aquarium environments.
When visiting with family, consider timing your arrival to coincide with feeding windows to better understand the care required for these animals. Monitoring the aquarium's event calendar is the best way to plan your visit and ensure you catch these daily operational activities.
The takeaway
Maintaining 10,000 animals requires a strict, time-sensitive routine that prioritizes water chemistry and precise nutritional preparation. You can observe the results of this work during your next visit by checking the facility's posted feeding schedule for public demonstrations.
Further reading
Learn more about local marine conservation efforts at the Boston Aquariums.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Boston Globe.
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