It’s the return of Jellies to the National Aquarium!

Jellies Invasion: Oceans Out of Balance at the National Aquarium explores how Jellies have survived – and thrived – amidst environmental changes that have negatively affected other forms of sea life. Jellies are nearly invisible, but they are everywhere including the Atlantic Ocean, the Chesapeake Bay, and even Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.  Nine different species of these unique and pre-historic creatures will be on display in an exhibit that is as mysterious and colorful as the Jellies themselves.

This summer, the National Aquarium welcomes visitors from all over the country to get up close and personal with jellies found in all corners of the world, ranging from the Chesapeake Bay to the lagoons of the Pacific Ocean. The $2.2 million exhibit  housing the jellies provides sightseers with a unique, “time-traveling” experience. Dark, ominous lighting, round and glowing tanks and news-crawl-style screens add to the gallery’s futuristic and extraterrestrial-like theme.

While the exhibit allows guests to absorb the entrancing movements and beauty of the jellies, the exhibit promotes an urgent, environmental message as well. Unlike its 1996-98 predecessor, Jellies: Phantoms of the Deep, Invasion serves to emphasize the importance of a jelly’s role as a prime indicator of ocean health. Because they are able to survive in poor water conditions, jellies are reproducing at alarming rates and outnumbering the predators that keep their populations in check.

Interactive  features, including touch screens and videos, allow guests to learn about the evolution of these prehistoric creatures, as well as the important steps humans can take to conserve our oceans.

The exhibit was opened to the public on Saturday, May 23, 2009 as part of Waterfront Invasion, a summer-long collaboration between the National Aquarium, Maryland Science Center, and Baltimore Area Convention and Visitors Association.  The Aquarium plans to host the exhibit for at least two years.

Download Jellies Invasion Fact Sheets:

» Download Jellies Fact Sheet (PDF)
» Download Jellies Species List (PDF)
» Download Jellies and the Environment Sheet (PDF)

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