A quake-hit aquarium in central Japan says it’s on the road to recovery, thanks to supporters who’ve been donating to a crowdfunding campaign.
Their generosity has raised 31 million yen, or about 200-thousand dollars. That’s more than six times the initial target.
The Japan Aquarium Association ran the fundraiser for 3 months for Notojima Aquarium in Ishikawa Prefecture.
The New Year’s Day quake caused severe damage to its water circulation equipment and pipes.
That caused the loss of about 5,000 creatures, including whale sharks, tropical fish and jellyfish.
The remaining dolphins, penguins and other animals have been evacuated to nine facilities within and outside the prefecture.
The aquarium plans to repair its tanks on its own and use the donations to install water circulation pumps and emergency power equipment. It says it hopes to reopen as soon as possible.
