SC Aquarium celebrates 10 million visitors

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The D’Angelo family had no idea just how exciting their trip to the South Carolina Aquarium would be when they arrived on March 16. After postponing their January trip to Charleston, Nic, Stacia and their daughters, Emery and Aubrey, headed to the aquarium for a casual tour when they were named the aquarium’s 10 millionth visitors. 

The aquarium rolled out the red carpet for the D’Angelos to mark the momentous occasion, the aquarium said in a news release. Staff and volunteers lined the entryway, blowing bubbles, cheering and applauding in celebration.  

Kevin Mills, president and CEO of the S.C. Aquarium, greeted the family as they entered the Great Hall. He then presented the family with a special gift and thanked them for their support, the aquarium said. From there, the family was escorted to the second floor to begin their exploration of the aquarium. 

Since opening in May 2000, the aquarium has impacted the region far beyond entertaining 10 million visitors. The aquarium has rescued and released 338 sea turtles, provided free educational programming to 143,092 students across the state and worked with the community to clean 1,748,446 pieces of debris through the S.C. Aquarium Citizen Science app. The aquarium also has conducted educational programs that have reached all 50 states and 50 countries around the world.