The Primorsky Aquarium has taken the first steps in cooperation with the Nanjing Andover Underwater World Co. Ltd. The Memorandum of Understanding between the two organizations was signed this August, and employees of several aquariums belonging to the company came to Vladivostok from China on Sunday, December 10. They are going to share their expertise and practical insights with marine mammal trainers and jellyfish keepers for two weeks.
Olga Shevchenko, Director of the Primorsky Aquarium, greeted the guests and gave them the overview of the Aquarium.
“I do hope our best practices will be useful for you, too, that you will find something interesting, something to learn from. As for us, we will be happy to apply practical experience from you.”
Olga Shevchenko highlighted key features of the Primorsky Aquarium, stressed that one of the exhibits showcased Russian Far East seas and told the guests about marine mammals in our care.
“I’d like to express my deep gratitude to the company managers who made your trip here possible. You will share your expertise with us, and such a visit is the first of that kind for our institution,” emphasized Olga Shevchenko. “We are starting the history of knowledge exchange, and I hope it will be fruitful for both sides.”
The experts from China heartily thanked the Primorsky Aquarium’s Director for generous hospitality and said that despite cold weather in Vladivostok they feel warm friendliness of their Russian peers. They are looking forward to collaborating with the Aquarium’s specialists and are confident of success.
Mikhail Kornienko, Head of the Environmental Education Division, gave the Chinese guests a tour of the exhibits. After that, the jellyfish aquarists went to the Science and Acclimation Building to begin their work with the local professionals. The Chinese trainers and the veterinarian set off for the Marine Mammal Research Station to meet beluga whales and largha seals. They also visited the Dolphinarium, watched a training session of Misha the walrus and looked over the main pool and the beluga whales’ enclosure.