Are public aquariums federally funded?

Some receive federal and/or state/provincial funding, as well as municipal funding and private donations.
 
don't forget that most "public" aquariums, such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium in my area, are businesses. I'm guessing this place makes close to millions each year on visitor passes and giftshop purchases. But this Aquarium is also generously funded by the Hewlett-Packard Foundation, as well as donations from private individuals and other businesses ("sponsorships").
 
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I think a lot of the money comes from donations from the corporate and private sector. They also get sponserships like coca-cola and pepsi to sell there products. I know some of the reasearch that they do is funded but I think most of the acctually husbandry and maintenece comes from earned money.
 
The initial setup usually comes from large donations (generally there is a plaque somewhere). Then if the aquarium proves to be good for the general public then federal funding is available. Course if it costs to get in and it is a really good aquarium then usually they make more than enough money to cover costs.
 
the Shedd in Chcago recieves state funding, but the price to get in is still high.
but when you think about it, it has to be where it is at since they have all of the food to buy, filters and heaters to run, salt, plants, corals, electricity for the lights (not just aquarium lights) etc.
and of course its gonna be higher than a museum, because they dont need to feed any of the animals inside LOL
 
jm1212 said:
the Shedd in Chcago recieves state funding, but the price to get in is still high.
but when you think about it, it has to be where it is at since they have all of the food to buy, filters and heaters to run, salt, plants, corals, electricity for the lights (not just aquarium lights) etc.
and of course its gonna be higher than a museum, because they dont need to feed any of the animals inside LOL

The state funding they get is little compared to the private donations they recieve from companies and also the amount they charge to rent it out for the night which exceeds 1 million dollars.
 
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