Seattle Marine Aquarium, Public aquarium at Pier 56, Elliott Bay, USA
Seattle Marine Aquarium was a private facility located on Pier 56 along Elliott Bay that showcased marine species from Puget Sound and the Pacific Northwest region. The building covered roughly 6,000 square feet and housed multiple tanks of different sizes designed for various aquatic animals.
Ted Griffin opened this facility in 1962 during the Century 21 Exposition and operated it until it closed in September 1976. The site gained international attention in 1965 when it became home to Namu, the first orca held in captivity anywhere.
Staff divers performed underwater demonstrations that showed visitors how marine biologists worked with sea creatures. These live sessions helped people understand interactions between species native to Pacific Northwest waters.
The site operated with daily opening hours and provided direct access from the waterfront pier walkway. Different tanks were arranged so guests could observe animals from multiple viewing angles throughout their visit.
One octopus housed here held a record weight of 88 pounds, making it among the largest specimens kept in captivity at the time. Visitors could view this animal in a tank specifically designed to accommodate its size.
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