Though I'm only now becoming increasingly knowledgeable about the many resources my city of birth has, this certainly comes at an awful time.  I would very much like to see every institution dedicated to the cultural preservation of our city saved as well as and opportunity to explore these attractions on my own.  I sincerely hope a resolution is found.  If we can save painted whales on the side of the David Broderick building, surely we can save live fish and the aquarium.

PLEASE! Do NOT close the Belle Isle Aquarium. I love that place. It's beautiful. I have been going there since I was a little  kid. It may not be on the scale of the National Aquarium in Baltimore, or the aquarium in Tennessee, but that is its' charm. The fact that it's the oldest aquarium in the country makes it significant and very special. This is a quality of life issue in Detroit. We can't just keep shutting things down, boarding them up and leaving them to rot. We have done far too much of that already. If Detroit keeps this up, there really is no point in even living here.

I am in deeply angered by the fact that the Detroit (Royal Oak) Zoo is planning on shutting down the Belle Isle Aquarium.  I have visited the aquarium twice in the last year and each time, there were many visitors present.  This IS NOT a case of lack of paying visitors; it's a case of the Royal Oak Zoo (oops,I mean Detroit zoo) wanting everything together in one location.  I am interested in doing anything I can to help stop the closing of the aquarium.  Detroit doesn't need another abandon building.

Why not bring in additional volunteer staff in order to maintain the facility.  Certainly GDAS would be a good start with the hobbyists.  Why not additional programming not limited to music, dinners, lectures, strolling cocktail parties, etc.  This is a perfect opportunity for a nonprofit structure to be put in place to operate the facility.  
 

I LOVE THAT AQUARIUM!!!
 

WHY DON'T THEY GET RID OF THE MAYOR?!
 

Why not get rid of the mayor's overpaid 'hangers-on' instead!
 

The aquarium is a rare and beautiful historical site that countless generations have admired and loved - KEEP IT GOING!!
 

We need to keep that things that are unique and great about Detroit alive!
 

Ready to fight the good fight.

The Belle Isle Aquarium should be treated as a National Landmark!  It should be protected, just as other historic places because it is a piece of American history will never be duplicated.  The Aquarium is SO MUCH MORE than an aquarium - it is memories, it is dreams, it is life in Detroit at its most peaceful!!  It MUST remain open!!!!

How can Detroit cut off its nose to spite its face? Save the Aquarium!

What's next to go, the library, the DIA?

It would be a real loss to the City of Detroit and all of the residents of Michigan to lose this 101 year old landmark.  It is the oldest aquarium in the country, and a treasure of the City of Detroit, that should be preserved for future generations.  The only reason for the drop in attendance this past year, is the zoo director closed the Belle Isle Zoo, which drew more people to the Island for visits to the zoo, Aquarium and Conservatory.  What will Belle Isle have to offer in the future.....NOTHING!! WHAT A SHAME!!!!

The Zoo is becoming less and less of a Detroit icon as it removes its operations from Belle Isle.  The Aquarium is not only a historical building but a great educational tool and visitor attraction.

I am willing to donate some time.  I am already a non-profit professional so I may have some skills that are needed.

I am intensely saddened by the news that the historic Belle Isle Aquarium may close and I am willing to do anything within my power to prevent it from doing so. We must save this aquarium for our children and their children.

I think this is the most insanely stupid things to happen yet. I am not happy with our Mayor but, if this happens they all need to be impeached. I think they are all crooks.

For our children's' sake!

My heart sank at the news. How can we let such a gem go to the wayside. I don't know how we can do it, but I'd like to see what we can do. I'm tired of being culturally assaulted by the powers that be. Maybe I could get the Waldorf School involved.

It is a sad day when a city must sacrifice its  Aquarium in order to balance its books.

I may not be a resident of the city, but still a regular at the wonderful island of Belle Isle. I have been visiting the island since a small girl and still amazed at what wonderful species reside in the aquarium.  I have brought out-of-state friends to marvel at this site as well.  Actually, its surprising how many non-Detroiters actually do visit the aquarium (this would pertain to sightseers and tourists). Sentencing the aquarium for termination would just continue to hurt the city in what it has to offer as means to sightseeing and entertainment.  Please allow those that have admiration to the seemingly scarce beautiful things in Detroit to remain open.  What does Detroit have to offer after all its fascinating buildings are closed?         Nothing.

Our family enjoys the Aquarium several times each year and would find less reason to visit Detroit if it were closed.

I love the Aquarium! I am 45 and cannot think of a single year I have not visited. It is one of the only peaceful places left in our city.

Glad to see you take up this fight.

You would think one of those darn casinos could keep it going with a total of 3-hours of their earnings.

Where exactly is all that additional revenue going?  And the stadiums?

Douglas Barnett"

It's sad to hear they are closing the oldest aquarium around - what are they thinking?  All the major cities have an aquarium - they want to make Detroit a city that people visit so why are they taking away the attractions!!! Let me know if I can help fight!

Yes!!! Please keep it open. Detroit need all the beauty it can.

I think Mayor Kil(detroit)patrick is corrupt and has destroyed everything Dennis Archer had done for our community.

There must be another way.  This is obviously a landmark of significant historic and educational value, even aside from its incredible beauty.  I'm interested in discussing alternatives.  There must be a way to find enough money, perhaps through private avenues, to not only to sustain the aquarium, but to make steps towards restoration.  

Please contact me to help. I have taken my children to the aquarium many times and I hate the idea that it is supposed to be closed. 

The aquarium is one of our last treasures from the past.  Such and beautiful and unique place.  We must save it.

Let me know what I can do to help. 

Please do reconsider closing the Belle Isle Aquarium.  Look no further than Cleveland or Baltimore to remind us of the progress still to be made. Do not relinquish what gains we have made

My children love the Belle Isle Aquarium.  We live Downriver and it is closer than the main zoo and not a crowded

There are too few opportunities now for education for our children.  Please do not deny them another one!!!!!!!!!

I find this to be extremely upsetting that the City Council and the Mayor would just give up and close the Aquarium for no other reason than to "save money".  The Belle Isle Aquarium is the oldest aquarium in North America and deserves to be treated with the same respect and honor as any other significant landmark in the city.  I understand that the city needs to generate income, but at what cost the loss of such a historic landmark is reprehensible, to say the least.  The Aquarium is not given its proper respect by the city let alone Zoo management, it should be used more by the local schools, so what if it is older and not as "pleasant" as some of the newer aquariums, but as is said never judge a book by its cover.  I have found the staff at the Belle Isle aquarium to be some of the most well informed and educated in the field of marine biology.  To Close the Aquarium due to "budget constraints" is to do a great disservice to the city and its residents.

Don't do this terrible thing. The Aquarium has been a force for education and pleasure for so many years. Cut something else....but not this. Save it for the children of the city.

I am very upset when I heard about the Belle Isle Aquarium closing. I love going to the aquarium and it is a big part of my life. I have been visiting the aquarium

 since I was a baby and every time I visit I love it more and more... Please I will do anything to help to keep the Belle Isle aquarium open! Picketing, sit in anything!"

Once those doors close, that's it, another ruin. The money involved pales in comparison to what is spent on patronage and no-show jobs for friends of the mayor, councilman Bates and others. This is a travesty and is inexcusable.

what a shame to close such a beautiful place. It should stay open for another hundred years!!! 

It is truly unfortunate that Detroit, and especially the leadership at the Detroit Zoo (specifically Ron Kagan), is turning its back on yet another cultural and historic gem.  Why is it that the Zoo is able to raise millions of dollars in fundraising over the past few years (construction of a new Amphibian Center, polar bear exhibit, enormous education building, and hospital), but has NOT attempted to raise a dime to help its most historical asset?  Why did the Zoo close down the Belle Isle Zoo, only to promise a new 'belle Isle Nature Zoo' nearly four years ago, which is still nowhere near completion?  Why has the Zoo spent hundreds of thousands of dollars keeping over 200 common foreign fallow deer penned up on Belle Isle?  Could none of these wasteful enterprises not afford to be sacrificed to help save the Belle Isle Aquarium?  What about all the wonderful conservation of endangered species, education, history, and entertainment this facility has to offer?  Not every city is fortunate enough to have an aquarium, big or small.  Why doesn't the City, and The Detroit Zoo, expend any effort on promoting this unique facility?  The answer to all of these questions is obvious.  The leadership at the Detroit Zoo, which the CITIZENS of DETROIT fund, is turning its back on the very people that make its existence possible because they don't know how or choose not to market the island facilities.  If its not brand new and located in suburbia, they don't want it but will gladly keep the name "Detroit" because that's where the majority of their funding comes from.  Sure, there is talk of building a new waterfront aquarium in the city but where will the money come from?  If the city cant afford a ╜ million a year aquarium, and is slashing the budget at the Zoo, then what makes them think they can possibly afford a giant new aquarium costing over $100 million?  Its time to stop destroying the last few things in Detroit that have any value, and start preserving and promoting our treasures.

Please keep the aquarium.

JUST ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF INCOMPETENCE ON THE PART OF CITY GOVERNMENT.  FIDDLING WHILE ROME BURNS.  INSTEAD OF IMPOSING A FIXED, AFFORDABLE ANNUAL PASS OR DAILY MAINTENANCE FEE FOR PARK USE, THEY LET THE PLACE FALL APART TO THE EXTENT THAT THERE WILL BE NO REASON TO VISIT EXCEPT TO DRIVE AROUND AND LOOK AT THE VIEWS.  

THERE ARE MANY THINGS THAT COULD AND WOULD WORK IF ONLY THERE WAS EVEN ONE BRAIN AND ANY SENSE OF CIVIC DUTY AMONGST THAT BUNCH OF IDIOTS AND THIEVES CALLED THE DETROIT  COMMON COUNCIL. "

We need more of this type of attraction in the city and why not advertise it?  The funding should come from private funds.

The closing of the place would be a very bad mark on the City Of Detroit...the place could be used to generate revenue for the City if used properly, I won't vote for those that end it.

I've visited, and I loved it

this was one of the first place we visited with our kids when we moved to Michigan and took our families there when we visit3ed us.. this saddens me

We can not let this happen!

Another landmark destine to close? I hope not, hopefully there is a charitable organization that can help. There's got to be something out there that can help raise the funds to keep the doors open. 

I will forward this page to my everyone on my e-mail list and hopefully they will do the same--bound to get some idea's.

This was the largest aquarium in the US when It was built a hundred years ago.  that's got to count for something.  are there no federal programs to protect such landmarks?  Could a toll be added to the belle isle bridge to bridge the budget gaps?  Lets not let what happened to the boat club happen to the aquarium!

The Aquarium Is an Important Part of the City, The Programs they Have are Very Enjoyable and to close it would make others who Love it go elsewhere to teach their Children of Nature and its Happenings, Please Don't close such an Important Part of the City's Culture and History. Thank you for Your time.

The Aquarium Is an Important Part of the City, The Programs they Have are Very Enjoyable and to close it would make others who Love it go elsewhere to teach their Children of Nature and its Happenings, Please Don't close such an Important Part of the City's Culture and History. Thank you for Your time.

Please let me know if there is any way we can help keep the aquarium open!

The closing of our Aquarium is arbitrary and insensitive to the children of the metro area. The administration wishes to chop off the head to cure the headache.... 

My family is a strong supporter of Belle Isle & The Aquarium and the Detroit Zoo. We go to the Detroit  Zoo on a regularly.  We also take our children to Belle Isle and the Aquarium and will do whatever we can to keep the Aquarium open.  

I grew up in Highland Park, and now live in Texas.  The people of Texas, would give there right arm, and there left arm, also, just to have one of the Jewels of Detroit, eg, The aquarium, Belle Isle, Palmer Parm, et al.  Why are you going to close, and probity kill, one of our heritage sights?  There has to be a way, to keep the Aquarium open.  ask Mike Illich for money, he has enough to spare, now that the Red Wings are not playing.  On season of the red Wings payroll, will keep it open for another ten years."

save the aquarium!

Do you think it may be possible to solicit a corporation or corporations to underwrite the aquarium? Just a thought...

There are many areas where budget cuts can be made...Please do not take from an organization that does so much good for it's inhabitants and the community.

We need a new mayor! His priorities tend to be that of a 14 year old's. (Maybe 16)

If necessary, a fee should charged that will cover the cost of keeping the aquarium open.  People spends tons of money on junk.  I think those same people would spend it on visiting the aquarium.

This is an institution we need to save.  I have fond memories of the electric eel and have visited w/my kids.  Let's not let this turn into another vacant landmark in our city.

We love the aquarium! It is the perfect place to bring kids because it is not so gigantic like other city aquariums. You cannot close this hidden treasure.

I can't believe anyone would choose the Aquarium as a logical budget cutting choice. The Aquarium is a destination all by itself. My wife and I have been taking our son there since he was 1, and have made a point to bring out of town guests there as well. It is truly a jewel of the city, and to close it just as the country will be looking at Detroit for the SuperBowl and All-Star Game, they are going to be closing one of the few gems left in the city. Shame on whoever came up with this shortsighted plan. How about less limousines and entourage for Hizzoners family? No that's too sacrosanct to cut.

I LOVE the aquarium! I take my classes there, my nephews, and my grandchildren. And sometimes I just stop by myself.

The Belle Isle Aquarium is one of Detroit's most historic and intact buildings.   The City closed it without even trying to get support and fundraise for its survival.

This is an outrage to close such a historic aquarium. In fact, I believe it's the oldest in the nation. I've visited this beautiful aquarium and it would definitely be sad to loose yet another jewel in Detroit's crown. 

As a resident of Detroit, I'm very sadden by this.  My two year daughter loves the aquarium so much, we went there many Saturdays last summer, and would continue to do so.  This is not the way to fix Detroit's financial problems.  Government acts like this are driving out residence that WANT to live and spend money in Detroit, but ultimately we will leave for a place with a vibrant urban environment.

Valuable resources like these are more important than balancing the financial books.....keep the aquarium open and remember another of the reasons the state can be proud. The work is too worthwhile to lose and is a credit to those who work in the aquarium and all who support it. Credit where it's due.....and credit to those who make it a resource to be proud of.

Keep this important inner city teaching tool part of the community.  Please help set up and allow a non-profit/ volunteers to run, update and improve a major resource to the region.

Let's keep things that are positive about Detroit a constant and start getting rid of the negative.  All large cities have aquariums, to take ours away would do yet another injustice to an already drowning metropolis.  Tear down some of the broken down abandoned buildings in the city, dismantle a corrupt government, close down the crack and drug trade.  This aquarium is one of the few historical buildings that hasn't been gutted, we need to do whatever we can to save it!

Save the aquarium!  What can we do to help?

Does it really cost the city $500,000 a year to keep the aquarium running? That figure seems too high.  I know the city is hurting & looking for ways to cut costs, but can't they re-evaluate this decision & find alternatives to keep it open?  

The aquarium is one of the great wonders of Belle Isle & Detroit.  

This is one of the dumbest moves ever for Detroit.  Why doesn't the city advertise & promote the aquarium more?  That would get people in the door. 

This is the oldest freshwater aquarium in the United States.  

What is the mayor thinking by closing it down?  

How sad this would be to close the aquarium.  Sometimes that is the only reason we go to Belle Isle, especially in the winter.  We just went there over this weekend and it was crowded in there.

Living in northern Michigan, the ONLY opportunity we have to gain any "culture" is on our trips to Detroit. We pay the high car insurance because of Detroit's base. Over and over, northern Michigan suffers because of the Detroit base things are linked to. When Detroit decides to take away the benefits...that means we get even less for our tax dollars. I am tired of "making up for Detroit's record" and getting nothing in return. Please....do not take away what little returns we in northern Michigan have for being linked to the "big city." If we have to "pick up the tab," then at least provide some of the benefits!!!

Many of the animals at the BIA will find no homes at other accredited aquariums.  Many of the rare Mexican fish, especially, are not kept/bred successfully at other facilities, and may have to be euthanized if no homes at other facilities can be found.  The aquarium should be kept open for the people of Detroit until a new aquarium is built (if that indeed ever happens) downtown.  At that time, the "old" BIA should be rehabbed for other uses, and not torn down, as it is a genuine historic structure.  The operating cost of this incredible facility is tiny compared to other city departments, and it provides a service to the residents that they can't find elsewhere.  Keep the aquarium OPEN!

I strongly support the effort to fight the closing of the Belle Isle Zoo. I am from Germany, came to the USA five years ago. Immediately this beautiful Island took my heart although it is a landmark of ruin. Still my family and I are frequently visiting and trying to imaging how beautiful this once must have been. The Belle Isle Zoo is our regularly program- don't let this piece of history and social gathering point for everybody go down. That's the wrong sign!!!

The Bell Isle Aquarium has always provided a unique opportunity to see the fascinating creatures that live below the water's surface.  It has been an experience that I have been able to share with many of the underprivileged and at- risk children I have worked with, it would most certainly be a great loss to our community to see it closed.

Please let me know what I can do to help

We should discuss the networking opportunities available thru Creekside Community Development Corporation, Jefferson East Business Association, and the Jefferson Chalmers Citizen District Council. We have a very active community with approximately 3400 households, with many individuals like myself who like to visit the Island and when it comes to community development, list it with the other reasons to invest in this neighborhood. 

What a shame to see a Detroit Recreational Institution caught in the budget crunch. Even though I no longer live in Detroit proper and am a "suburbanite" I still visit the Aquarium 1-2 times yearly and have shared it with my 4 year old grandson as it was shared with me at that age 46 years ago.

Detroit has too few genuine recreational attractions not related to sporting events.

Please look long and hard at what you're doing to the image of Detroit, especially at a time when we will be welcoming National and Worldwide visitors into our City for special events.

If charging a higher entry fee to access this facility, then so be it!

Keep this a part of the Greater Detroit Heritage, we few enough Heritage items to be proud of.

KEEP THE AQUARIUM OPEN!!!"

We need to make a proposal to the Windsor City Council for aid to keep open the aquarium. 

Please do not close the Aquarium.  I have traveled from Toledo, Ohio for many years to Belle Isle. This is one of the main attractions that is still enjoyable.  You are taking away a beautiful site.

The aquarium needs to stay open because of the science that is going on there, because of its history and because it is a cultural, educational, entertaining destination for area residents and visitors. This is part of Detroit social equity that we cannot afford to lose.

The aquarium needs to stay open because of the science that is going on there, because of its history and because it is a cultural, educational, entertaining destination for area residents and visitors. This is part of Detroit's social equity that we cannot afford to lose.

Where will we take our inner-city children to see something other than Detroit garbage?

WE HAVE THE OLDEST AQUARIUM IN THE UNITED STATES  IT  IS STILL  VIABLE. WHY  GET RID  OF  IT PEOPLE COME FROM ALL OVER

TO VISIT  OUR FAMILIES  CAN VISIT THE ISLAND AND HAVE EXPOSURE TO THIS AQUARIUM WHO MAY NEVER HAVE THIS EXPERIENCE AS A FAMILY. WITH SUPPORT AND GOOD PR WE COULD KEEP THIS PLACE ON THE MAP  AN AQUARIUM DOWNTOWN , COUPLED WITH HIGH ADMISSION FEES AND PARKING  WOULD ONLY DISCOURAGE FAMILIES AND OVERALL THE CITIZENS OF DETROIT FROM ENJOYING THIS 100 YEAR OLD HISTORIC  PLACE.

I've enjoyed the aquarium and the zoo at Belle Isle, especially as a child.  This exhibit represents a living form of art and provides education and wonderment of the larger world in which we live.  It was a factor in my choosing to become a fisheries biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  Please allow the Friends of Belle Isle an opportunity to raise funds to keep this treasure open

Does the City even have a plan for the building or will it simply add to the list of blighted, abandoned buildings throughout Detroit?

I was very sorry to read the news that the Aquarium will be closing after 101 years.  What a tragic loss indeed!

This is a historical treasure. Don't erase history because of faulty financing. It's completely unfair. Of course we need a dozen sporting fields... as the Pontiac Silverdome and Tiger Stadium sit alone. Talk about a waste.

I used to visit the aquarium often when my son was young. It was one of the few places in the city to have a great family day!

What a shame that the city officials of Detroit can scam, deprive and desecrate a once great city and a great people. Does it make sense to take away the good of Detroit in order to pad the wallets of those leeching off of the city?

Keep the aquarium open.  It is an old but wonderful facility.  So nice to do with little children since the size is very manageable.  Not everything needs to be new and huge.

Our Aquarium is the first in the USA! I hope funds can be found (FEDERAL?) to keep it thriving.

What a terrible thing, to close the Aquarium.........a valuable resource!

It is very sad to see so much of the cultural enrichment of the city of Detroit disappear. without these institutions how do we find ways to open the eyes of the youth and inspire them. the arts and sciences are what touch children in ways that may steer their futures into something more meaningful. an open educated mind thinks beyond oneself and with tolerance and makes them less likely to follow a self-destructive path. also I think as we loose the gems that this city was built upon it becomes less desirable a place for any outsider to ever want to visit, invest in or consider living. haven't we seen the Detroit population shrink as other major cities in America continue to grow. this could be a good example of why that is happening.  

Why not charge a small entry to the island fee?  This could help with maintenance costs for the aquarium as well as the entire island.

This aquarium is an incredible Detroit treasure.  Please do let this place disappear!

The aquarium is one of the oldest and neatest left. I hope the city can find a benefactor or work creatively to find grant money. I would be glad to help organize a fundraiser (I have the experience). Please contact me to help save this wonderful Detroit gem.

I grew up in Lafayette Park going to the Aquarium on weekends.  Its a gem that should never be closed down.  Why don't we institute a fee system upon entering the park, or even establish a yearly fee.  There are ways to create resources, but I think there are those out there who never want Detroit to prosper.

I think Belle Isle and the Aquarium are among the few gems in Detroit.  Thousands of people a year go to the aquarium.  It's so available to anyone.    Keep it!

Shame Shame on the city!! what a great institution, Let's not let it close

Family entertainment, Historical, Science, Nature, Educational, 

There's no replacing this building. Detroit's aquarium belongs on Belle Isle.

Don't close the doors and turn your back on history!

This is truly a Detroit treasure worth fighting for!  It really just needs to be promoted more.

Keep It Open!!!

How is it that the City can pay for artificial snow for ice-capades when there's no money to maintain such an important and long-loved city attraction?

We used to go to the Aquarium when we were kids; we loved it. People go all the time, even now.  Cities need zoos and aquariums, flower gardens, parks, art and music.  It is more important than ever to maintain beauty and art! This is bad news for the city. Taking away things people enjoy is never right.  It is not cost-effective; we already know that closing schools, laying off teachers and now closing the Aquarium will only have negative consequences. There is no logic in this; funds can be made for the Aquarium, and volunteers and others would and will help maintain it.  Leave it open, Detroit needs this Aquarium! We all can volunteer to help out, enough people should care and will care about this.

As with any aging building, unless funding is available for repairs and restoration, the building will eventually need to be torn down. I work at the 3rd oldest aquarium in the US, and we too are small. However, we are constantly changing, adding new exhibits, refurbishing old ones, etc etc. Unless an aquarium moves forward, its dead in the water. I wonder where the Aquarium figured in the long range and strategic planning processes at the Zoo? Surely such issues were discussed? Unless of course, the decision to close the Aquarium was made long before. I find it hard to accept that the few dollars saved will help offset the HUGE deficit incurred by the city so far in any meaningful way. I encourage the FOBIA to contact the Dallas Aquarium at FairPark, another small aquarium in an old historic building managed from within a zoo ... I am sure they have faced many of the issues you are now.

I feel that the aquarium is a major part of Detroit and that u should keep it open.

The aquarium is a reason for people who don't live in Detroit to come visit and get to see an amazing old building and interesting aquatic life for only a small amount of money. Please please please don't let this happen to the aquarium. We don't want the positive aspects of Detroit to drop away while the negative get all the funding.

where is the eel going to go?!!?  I love that thing, it has been there my whole life

instead of closing the aquarium, make an advertising investment, and get people down here to enjoy the aquarium, like Chicago does. probably no one in the suburbs even knows this place exists, I never see it advertised!

Save the Aquarium

It would be devastating for the Aquarium to close.

Please, I have been going to this aquarium for years!  We need to work to keep it open!  I will do any kind of volunteering!   

Wow, haven't been to the aquarium since I was a kid, but I still remember the huge glass dome of the building. Crazy that they would want to shut something so historical down as usual.

MUST KEEP THE AQUARIUM OPEN. BRING MY GRANDKIDS DOWN EACH AND EVERY SUMMER TO VISIT.

What's next? Being from Europe, I think it's a shame how a former beautiful city is run down! You NEED places like the Aquarium  to give people hope  that Detroit  can still be called a city, and not a dump. 

I cannot believe anyone could allow the Aquarium to be closed down I wish Kalamazoo could have one it is as important as the Ball Park and the Library and the Beaches!

I am appalled that anyone would want to close one of our nations oldest aquariums that also breeds endangered fish. I took a friend from Germany to visit Belle Isle and the aquarium and he thoroughly enjoyed it. Don't close down this important historic site!

As a former employee of the Belle Isle Aquarium and the City of Detroit, I know on a first hand basis how important the Belle Isle Aquarium is to the city and the state of Michigan.  Belle Isle provides daily education and recreation to many children and adults alike.  It serves as a landmark in Zoological and Aquarium history.  Annually, the work done by BIA employees provides conservation benefits locally and all around the world.  Closing it would be a disgrace and a shame.