Dozens of people protested in downtown Detroit Tuesday in an effort to save the Belle Isle Aquarium.

The Friends of the Belle Isle Aquarium organization have been trying to persuade city officials to keep the 101-year-old aquarium open, Local 4 reported. The group rallied outside the Coleman A. Young Municipal Building with signs in an effort to stop the closure, which is scheduled for April 3.

Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick announced the closure as part of a $230 million budget shortfall for the city. The closing will save more than $530,000 in annual expenses to keep the aquarium operable and suitable for animals and visitors, the mayor's office said.

The aquarium was initially scheduled to close in March, but the Friends of the Belle Isle Aquarium organization said they were told they could keep the site open if they could raise $500,000. The group was given a 60-day extension in February to establish a fundraising plan.

AQUARIUM Location: On Belle Isle Park, off Jefferson Avenue in Detroit. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday Admission: $4 per adult (ages 13 to 62), $3 for children ages 2 to 12, children under 2 are free. YOUR TURN: What Do You Think Of Aquarium Closing?

City officials cited a decline in attendance and a cost to taxpayers as additional reasons for the closure.

The Friends of the Belle Isle Aquarium is hosting one more fundraiser before the Sunday closure. A $100-per-plate benefit dinner and auction will be held at the Detroit Yacht Club Friday.

To order tickets, call (586) 663-9482 or click here.