Five months after the famous Aquadom burst into a Berlin hotel, the neighboring Sealife Aquarium reopened its doors on Monday. “Everyone is very happy that normality is returning,” says aquarium manager Martin Hansel. Finally, visitors can once again admire the more than 120 species – including dogfish, rays and seahorses.
When the 16-meter-high Aquadom aquarium burst in the middle of Berlin on December 16 for reasons that have not yet been clarified, the mass of water quickly spread through the hotel lobby – and also reached the Sealife Aquarium. The attraction is located in close proximity to the accident site, but is not operated by the same owners.
‘We’ve had bad luck’
“We were lucky in disguise,” Hansel said. The visitors’ shop in the exit area of the exhibition was completely destroyed by the rushing water. The 31 pools with about 3,000 animals were spared. Unlike the Aquadom, where almost all of the 1500 fish died, none of the animals were harmed in the Sealife.
Still, the aquarium, which is popular with children, had to remain closed until now, explains Sealife’s attraction manager Anja Nitsch. This was due to the fact that the more than 700 fragments of the destroyed Aquadom – some weighing tons – were stored for a long time before the Sealife Aquarium was abandoned. Therefore, guests could not leave the exhibition. Now the exit is free again. The store is still being renovated and will therefore remain closed for the time being.
200 animals from Aquadom in Sealife
Even though there is little left on site of the accident five months ago – part of the Aquadom has recently moved to the Sealife. “We got a little over 200 animals out of the Aquadom’s underground tanks,” said Hansel. Some have since moved to a new location, but some have stayed – including a school of shimmering blue swallowtail fish that are comfortable in their new home.
However, the cracked Aquadom at the Radisson Hotel should not be rebuilt. The building owners announced this last week. A reopening of the hotel is planned for next year.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
