New York Aquarium to Open for First Time after Hurricane Sandy

The New York Aquarium is scheduled to re-open May 25, said The Wildlife Conservation Society.

The aquarium was badly devastated by Hurricane Sandy and will now be partially opening after seven months.

About 80 percent of the animals at the Aquarium survived the hurricane. Officials estimate that complete restoration would cost about $60 million, reports the Wall Street Journal.

"We are ready to welcome New York families and tourists back into the WCS New York Aquarium. We have worked nonstop to ensure that the marine life in the aquarium was safe and secure. We want to share this progress with New Yorkers and be a part of the Coney Island comeback following Hurricane Sandy," said Cristián Samper, WCS President and CEO.

Jon Dohlin, director of the Wildlife Conservation Society New York Aquarium said that the admission fee, which is $15 for adults and $11 for kids, will be "considerably reduced", reports the New York Daily News.

WSC said that attractions like The Glover's Reef that has sea-life from Belize, walruses, sea-lions, otters and penguins will be available for public viewing. Also, people can visit a renovated Aquatheater that has a new sea lion.

"The reopening of the aquarium is an exciting milestone in Coney Island's recovery from Superstorm Sandy. As one of the area's few year-round staples, the aquarium serves as a vital economic and educational engine for the community and all of New York City bringing in over 750,000 visitors and $58 million dollars in economic revenue," Domenic M. Recchia, New York City Council Member, said in a statement.

Most other businesses on Coney Islands are pinning their hopes on a strong holiday season to recover from losses due to Hurricane Sandy.