Den Blå Planet: A Voyage Through Denmark's Aquatic Wonders
An immersive exploration of marine biodiversity and conservation, from the Arctic seas to tropical rainforests.
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The Aquarium Unveiled
A Northern European Gem
The National Aquarium Denmark, known as Den Blå Planet, stands as Northern Europe's largest aquarium. It is a public institution dedicated to showcasing the diversity of aquatic life and fostering a deeper understanding of marine environments.
Core Mission
Its primary objectives are to disseminate vital marine information, support scientific research projects, and serve as an invaluable educational resource for institutions and the public alike.
Vast Aquatic Holdings
Housing approximately 20,000 animals representing over 450 species, the aquarium holds a total water volume of 7,000,000 liters across its numerous exhibits, offering a comprehensive glimpse into aquatic ecosystems.
A Legacy of the Sea
From Charlottenlund to Kastrup
The original Denmark's Aquarium commenced construction in 1937 and opened its doors in 1939 in Charlottenlund. Over the decades, it underwent expansions, notably in 1974 and 1990, eventually housing about 1,000,000 liters of water. This historic facility closed in 2012.
The New Blue Planet
The majority of the animal collection was relocated to the new, significantly larger facility, Den Blå Planet, in Kastrup. This modern aquarium opened to the public in March 2013, establishing itself as a premier destination for marine exploration in Northern Europe.
A Cinematic Past
The former Charlottenlund aquarium holds a unique place in cinematic history, having served as a filming location for the 1960 Danish-American science fiction film, Reptilicus, adding a layer of cultural significance to its legacy.
Architectural Marvels
The Whirlpool Design
Designed by the renowned Danish architectural firm 3XN, Den Blå Planet's striking exterior resembles a whirlpool when viewed from above. Its proximity to Copenhagen Airport makes it a prominent landmark.
Sustainable Engineering
The building incorporates advanced sustainable practices to minimize energy consumption. It utilizes seawater from the Øresund strait for cooling units and features double glazing throughout, demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility.
Impressive Scale
The aquarium complex spans a total area of 12,000 square meters, comprising a 10,000 square meter building and an additional 2,000 square meters of outdoor space, providing ample room for its extensive exhibits and visitor facilities.
Biodiversity Showcase
The Rainforest
This immersive section recreates a tropical rainforest environment, featuring species such as arapaimas, arowanas, pacus, freshwater stingrays, boa constrictors, and a notable school of piranhas. It also houses electric eels and elephantfish.
African Great Lakes
Dedicated exhibits represent Lake Malawi, Lake Tanganyika, and Lake Victoria. This area focuses on the diverse cichlids found in these regions, alongside formidable predators like tigerfish and bichirs.
Evolution and Adaptation
This zone explores the fascinating processes of evolution and adaptation in aquatic life. It includes a mangrove aquarium with unique species like four-eyed fish and archerfish, alongside primitive fish such as gar and lungfish, and the impressive alligator snapping turtle.
Cold Water Wonders
Showcasing native Danish species from both freshwater and saltwater environments, this section features a touch pool and a large North Atlantic aquarium. This exhibit includes a striking seabird cliff habitat, home to cod, wolffish, puffins, and more. It also houses species like the giant Pacific octopus and sea otters.
The Warm Ocean
The centerpiece is the vast 4,000,000-liter Ocean tank, home to sharks (zebra, blacktip reef, wobbegong, scalloped hammerhead), stingrays, eagle rays, and moray eels. Adjacent is a vibrant coral reef exhibit and smaller tanks featuring seahorses, shrimpfish, and highly venomous species like stonefish and lionfish.
Purpose & Impact
Educational Outreach
Den Blå Planet plays a critical role in public education, providing accessible information about marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and the importance of conservation. It collaborates with educational institutions to enhance learning experiences.
Scientific Support
The aquarium actively supports scientific research, offering facilities and resources for marine biologists and researchers studying aquatic life and environments. This contribution aids in advancing our understanding of the oceans.
Visitor Engagement
Since its opening, the aquarium has experienced significant visitor numbers, exceeding initial expectations. This popularity underscores its success as a public attraction and its effectiveness in engaging the community with the marine world.
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References
References
- (in Danish) Blå Planet: Gå på opdagelse på Den Blå Planet. Retrieved 8 July 2014.
- (in Danish) Blå Planet: Regnskoven. Retrieved 25 March 2014.
- (in Danish) Blå Planet: Det kolde vand. Retrieved 25 March 2014.
- (in Danish) Blå Planet: Søløverne flytter til Frankrig. Retrieved 13 May 2014.
- (in Danish) Blå Planet: Havoddere på Den Blå Planet. Retrieved 18 October 2014.
- (in Danish) Blå Planet: Oceanet. Retrieved 25 March 2014.
- (in Danish) Blå Planet: Koralrevet. Retrieved 25 March 2014.
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional advice or direct experience. Always refer to official sources and consult with qualified professionals or visit the attraction directly for the most current and accurate information.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.