Behind the Glass: How Dubai Aquarium Takes Care of Its Marine Life

Nestled within the iconic Dubai Mall, the Dubai Aquarium is more than just a stunning display of marine life—it’s a center of marine conservation, care, and education. As visitors walk through its vast acrylic tunnel, surrounded by thousands of aquatic creatures, few realize the extensive efforts that go into maintaining such a dynamic underwater ecosystem. The mesmerizing visuals are only the surface of a much deeper story: one of expert care, state-of-the-art facilities, and a dedicated team working around the clock to ensure the health and well-being of its marine residents.

In this blog, we take you behind the scenes of the Dubai Aquarium to explore how this world-class attraction takes exceptional care of its marine life—from nutrition and habitat design to medical care and conservation.

Understanding the Scale of Dubai Aquarium

The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is one of the largest suspended aquariums in the world, housing over 140 species and more than 33,000 aquatic animals. From graceful stingrays to majestic sand tiger sharks and playful otters, each species has specific needs and behaviors that require tailored care. The aquarium’s commitment to replicating natural habitats ensures the marine life not only survives—but thrives.

Expert Teams: The Heart Behind Marine Care

At the core of the aquarium’s success is a highly trained team of marine biologists, aquarists, veterinarians, and life support technicians. These professionals conduct daily health checks, observe behaviors, and maintain the aquarium’s water quality systems.

Each team member plays a vital role:

• Aquarists feed and care for specific animal groups.
• Veterinarians handle health assessments and treatments.
• Biologists study animal behavior and welfare.
• Technicians manage filtration systems, lighting, and temperature controls to keep the environment stable.

This multidisciplinary approach allows the Dubai Aquarium to maintain high standards in animal care and habitat management.

Nutrition and Feeding Programs

Feeding over 33,000 animals daily is a meticulous task. The aquarium follows customized feeding plans for each species, considering dietary needs, health, and age. For example:

• Sharks are fed nutrient-rich fish like mackerel and sardines.
• Rays and bottom dwellers receive a mix of crustaceans and mollusks.
• Smaller fish and schooling species have automated feeding schedules for minimal disruption.

Live feeding sessions are also conducted for educational purposes and public engagement, showcasing natural predatory behavior in a controlled environment.

Maintaining Water Quality: The Invisible Guardian

Water quality is arguably the most critical factor in maintaining marine health. Dubai Aquarium utilizes an advanced Life Support System (LSS) that continuously monitors and regulates:

• Temperature
• pH levels
• Salinity
• Ammonia and nitrate levels
• Oxygen saturation

Real-time monitoring systems ensure immediate alerts if any parameter falls outside optimal ranges. These systems run 24/7 and are supported by manual checks conducted by trained technicians.

Enrichment and Mental Stimulation

Marine animals need mental stimulation to stay healthy. The aquarium provides a variety of enrichment tools and activities:

• Floating toys and puzzles for otters and penguins
• Rotating décor and feeding strategies for fish and rays
• Training sessions that promote natural behavior while building trust with caretakers

These practices help reduce stress, encourage curiosity, and prevent repetitive behavior often associated with captivity.

Medical Facilities and Preventative Care

Behind the scenes, Dubai Aquarium has a fully equipped veterinary clinic with diagnostic tools, quarantine tanks, and surgical suites. Preventive care includes:

• Routine health checks
• Vaccinations and deworming
• Regular weight monitoring
• In-house lab work for blood tests and bacterial screenings

New arrivals or sick animals are placed in quarantine zones to avoid spreading illness and ensure a smooth transition into the ecosystem.

Breeding and Conservation Initiatives

Dubai Aquarium actively participates in breeding programs for endangered species. These include:

• Shark breeding programs
• Penguin colony expansion
• Coral propagation projects

By supporting such initiatives, the aquarium not only contributes to population sustainability but also educates the public on the importance of marine biodiversity.

Rescue and Rehabilitation

In collaboration with UAE environmental agencies, Dubai Aquarium also assists in rescue and rehabilitation missions. Injured sea turtles and marine birds are often treated and, if possible, released back into the wild. These efforts align with the aquarium’s broader mission of promoting marine conservation and environmental responsibility.

Educating the Public

Beyond care and conservation, the aquarium serves as a vital educational platform. With interactive zones, guided tours, and live talks, visitors learn about marine biology, ecosystem preservation, and the importance of ethical wildlife tourism.

Educational initiatives include:

• Student workshops and field trips
• Marine life awareness campaigns
• Behind-the-scenes tours for guests

These programs help bridge the gap between public entertainment and meaningful environmental action.

Eco-Friendly Operations

Sustainability is a growing priority at Dubai Aquarium. Measures include:

• Energy-efficient lighting
• Eco-safe cleaning products
• Water recycling systems
• Plastic-free visitor initiatives

The aquarium's operations aim to reduce its environmental footprint while setting an example for other institutions worldwide.

Conclusion

Behind the crystal-clear glass and dazzling marine displays, Dubai Aquarium is a thriving hub of care, conservation, and innovation. Every feeding schedule, water test, enrichment activity, and medical check-up reflects the team’s unwavering dedication to marine life preservation. This commitment ensures that each visit is not only awe-inspiring but also ethically grounded in best practices.

Whether you're a tourist, a nature lover, or a curious learner, your journey into the ocean’s depths begins here. And for those planning a visit, explore the various Dubai Aquarium tickets to find the best experience that suits your interests—from tunnel walks to shark dives and behind-the-scenes tours.