Brief History of The Living Planet Aquarium
The Living Planet Aquarium was founded by marine biologist Brent Andersen in 1997 and continues to grow through the addition and enhancements of new exhibits and programs. Our outreach education programs have been operating since January 1999 and have reached ~ 360,000 Utah students. In June of 2004, a Preview Exhibit of The Living Planet Aquarium at the Gateway Mall was opened. This 10,000 square foot public exhibit displayed local freshwater animals and marine life from around the world, and offered an exclusive experience never before available in Utah, and attendance far exceeded projections with over 150,000 visitors per year. Due to this overwhelming demand, the Preview Exhibit, was relocated to much larger (43,000 sq ft) building in Sandy in the summer of 2006. Currently, exhibits feature sharks, rays, seahorses, jellyfish as well as octopus, eels, starfish, amphibians, trout and other freshwater species, providing a unique opportunity for the many landlocked Utahns, particularly children, who have not previously had the chance to interact with such creatures. Since re-opening in June 2006, the Aquarium has added 4 major new exhibits, and attendance has risen to over 250,000 per year (and growing). The Living Planet is now underway with the addition of a7,000 sq ft exhibit hall to take visitors on an aquatic Journey to South America.
The Living Planet offers many education programs within the community, as well. Our two educational outreach programs, The Utah Waters Van, and the Rainforest Van, which visit Utah elementary school students, have continued to expand every year. This year´s (2008-2009) programs will educate students and teachers alike by bringing free, core-curriculum designed, hands-on learning to over 51,000 students around the state, including every 4th grader statewide.
The Living Planet also maintains a Marine Science Center in partnership with Woods Cross High School. This facility utilizes resident animals and systems provided by TLPA to teach high school students about marine biology, chemistry and animal husbandry.
We employees of The Living Planet Aquarium endorse and embrace the mission, vision and future direction of this important educational organization. The Living Planet Aquarium management and staff are proud of the respect earned in the educational, environmental, conservation and museum communities -- for principles, practices and leadership devoted to creating a healthier and more caring “living planet."
Our Staff
Brent V. Andersen
President/Founder
801.495.4448 x 207
brent.a@thelivingplanet.com
Gary W. Christensen, CPA
Chief Financial Officer
801.495.4448 x 204
gary.c@thelivingplanet.com
Gina Roberts
Marketing Manager
801.495.4448 x 214
gina.r@thelivingplanet.com
Matt Jacobsen
Guest Services Director
801.495.4448 x 202
matt.j@thelivingplanet.com
Kelly Steffen
Director of Education
801.495-4448 x 209
outreach@thelivingplanet.com
Andy Allison
Curator of Animals
801-495-4448 ext. 205
andy.a@thelivingplanet.com
Tony Layne
Exhibits Manager/Education Specialist
801.495.4448 x 206
tony.l@thelivingplanet.com
Maria Groves
Instructional Design Intern
Amanda Black
Office Manager
801.495.4448 x 208
Education Program Managers
Carolyn Adler
Kristen Bonner
Sara Freeman
Eleasha Grossman
Education Presenters
Melissa Bowers
Aquarists II
Evan Jamison
Aquarists I
Maia Davidson
Andrew Lawrence
Rob Hickman
Guest Services Shift Manager
Naveen Hossain
Lindsay Payne
Vanessa Miller
Alessandra DeAgostini