National Aquarium in Baltimore reopens rainforest exhibit after replacing glass roof

The National Aquarium reopened its tropical rainforest exhibit Tuesday following a monthslong closure for the replacement of its massive, 684-pane glass roof.

The glass panes were as old as the aquarium itself, which opened 41 years ago, and aquarium officials say the new glass brings a host of benefits for animals — both inside and outside of the aquarium.

The new, etched panes will help control temperatures inside the exhibit for plants and animals and minimize the number of migrating birds that inadvertently strike the glass.

Workers also added LED lights to the top of the pyramid structure, capable of turning blue to represent the aquarium, or purple and orange for the Baltimore Orioles and Ravens.

In a news release Tuesday, the aquarium said the project "would not have been possible" without funding from the state and others. Some $7 million came from Maryland to cover the bulk of the $8 million project, and there were also grants from Baltimore City, Baltimore County and the Abell Foundation.

The old glass panes will be transported to North Carolina-based Strategic Materials for "upcycling," according to the news release. The panes could be transformed into fiberglass insulation or used for reflective road markings.

Aquarium staff began moving animals back into the Upland Tropical Rainforest exhibit a few weeks ago, according to the news release. Some had been cared for in the aquarium's Australia exhibit, and others were placed in the Animal Care Facility on Fayette Street. The process of returning the animals started with the ibis, herons and sloths, according to the release.

"For the other animals, the team used a reintroduction tool that allowed them to be in a protected space within the exhibit to reacclimate for a time before being released," the release stated.

Baby sloth Fern was born in the rainforest exhibit in the National Aquarium. (David Coffey / National Aquarium)

While the animals were away, workers also replaced wood decking, put up new wire mesh for the exhibit's birds, built a new elevated walkway for staff around the perimeter of the exhibit, and fixed aging ductwork, concrete and plumbing.

"Though many of the changes made over these last few months may not be noticeable to the eye, they have greatly improved the environment for the animals and plants, as well as made it safer for our staff," said National Aquarium CEO John Racanelli.