Seahorses for Future Generations 

Birch Aquarium’s talented aquarist team has been rearing seahorses in captivity for more than 20 years. We have bred and shared a number of seahorse species with over 100 Association of Zoos and Aquariums institutions to help promote seahorse conservation. The breeding of seahorses is increasingly important due to the number of challenges seahorses face in the wild from human impacts, compromised habitats, and warming oceans.

Our seahorse conservation efforts alleviates pressure on wild populations and contributes to Species Survival Plans (SSPs) — a cooperatively managed program that oversees the population management of select species within AZA member institutions and enhances conservation of species in the wild. These SSPs ensure the survival of selected species in zoos and aquariums, guide breeding programs for healthy and diverse populations, and enhance conservation of these species in the wild.

Birch Aquarium has successfully raised 12 species of seahorse and our Seadragon Breeding Program was created in 2012 to focus on these unusual seahorse cousins. We are proud to be part of such a crucial program to ensure future healthy populations of seahorses!