The word Fluvarium is derived from the latin root “fluv” meaning flowing water. Fluvarium therefore literally means “windows on a stream”, and aptly describes the nine large viewing windows that allow our guests a glimpse into a natural, freshwater habitat.

The Fluvarium also operates the Lilypad Childcare center on the top level which provides care and nature programming for children ages 18 months – 5.9 years of age.

The Fluvarium is run by the Quidi Vidi/Rennie’s River Development Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to environmental education and freshwater ecology.

The Quidi Vidi/Rennie’s River Development Foundation will engage the community, create awareness and inspire all to protect and conserve water resources. We will become the primary aquatic resource centre for the province.

Its location and role as a natural environmental teaching resource is a powerful education, tourism and economic generator. The Fluvarium owes its existence and success to the efforts of many interested individuals who played a significant role in the formative years prior to 1990, including Shannie Duff, John Gibson, Stephen Herder, Paul Johnson, John O’Mara, John Perlin, Lewis Stoyles, and Brian Wood.