Nature at the forefront
While having a successful business is the aspiration of Cairns Aquarium founders Daniel Leipnik and Andrew Preston, there is another driving force behind their passion.
“One of the most significant and key aspects for us when we developed this business is our love of the environment,” Daniel said.
“We want this region and the world to be a better place, which is why we believe in fostering a culture of sustainability across all we do.”
In addition to its living displays and 71 onsite exhibits, the aquarium also houses more than 180 wall signs to help educate visitors about the area’s World Heritage listed areas and their inhabitants.
“Throughout each day, educators present topics about the fish and animals at the aquarium but also encourage sustainability by explaining how people can make a difference through reducing energy, water and waste,” Daniel said. “We want to educate people about the simple steps they can do to help the environment, explain some of the perils of species like sharks and the dangerous impact of plastics in the ocean.
“Although most of our visitors come to see the aquatic wildlife, we are really passionate about the conservation of the animals and plants of our region.”
The aquarium has dedicated research and development programs to help people learn more about the diversity of animals and plants, how they interact, and the impacts being experienced on these natural systems.
“We work closely with many government agencies who also want to impart environmental messages,” Daniel said.
“These organisations have a mandate to conduct field works, research and public outreach, which is why we have joined forces with them.”
On average, the aquarium has between 20,000-30,000 students a year come through on educational tours, which have been specifically designed to be part of the Australian curriculum.
“As well, every single day we have kids coming here who are excited to be here,” Daniel said. “They learn about the region’s fish and animals and get connected to nature. It gives us a lot of gratification to see kids getting excited about the natural world, and we hope many of them will become the environment crusaders of the future.”