Vancouver Aquarium's AquaVan going on the road for Canada's 150th anniversary
Aquarium's truck has been modified to carry live animals in large tanks
A Vancouver Aquarium program is heading east.
The mobile education program AquaVan will be travelling across the country as part of celebrations for Canada's 150th anniversary, presenting 150 ocean education events in schools, camps and communities.
The AquaVan, a 10-metre, 5-tonne truck, is modified to carry live animals in closed cold-water systems, with special filtration that allows bacteria to control ammonia levels in the water.
"Using the AquaVan's well-established program development and delivery methods, staff will inspire stewardship of shorelines and community ownership and pride in clean aquatic habitats," said the aquarium in a statement.
"There will be a particular focus on First Nations, local history, and regional environmental issues.
"Students, youth and community members will learn about animals living locally through the use of artifacts and will see and touch live marine invertebrates."
The program will also host cleanup events in each community they go to, helping volunteers remove debris along local shorelines and waterways.