Why Have an Aquarium in a Desert?
Where else in the world is water so valued and respected? It´s a precious resource that defines how we live in Utah. Because we´re not surrounded by oceans and immense water habitats, we have fewer opportunities to experience, understand and appreciate the water environments that cover more than 70 percent of our planet. The Living Planet Aquarium brings animals to people who might not have the chance to see them or their water-based ecosystems in a natural setting.Our children are the future custodians of the environment. Yet, the majority of todays young people don´t have the opportunity to understand the ocean nor their own water-dependent environments. The Living Planet Aquarium provides a "living classroom," educating us all about our interdependence on the living planet´s fragile ecosystems.
The Living Planet Aquarium is dedicated to celebrating life on Earth by fostering a greater awareness and knowledge of Earth´s diverse ecosystems and creating a deeper understanding of our place in the global system of life.
The Living Planet Aquarium is committed to providing opportunities for families to learn about our interdependence with the fragile ecosystems of our planet through entertaining, interactive educational exhibits and programs. Having this aquarium provides us with countless opportunities to understand and respect this precious resource and the living habitats it supports, both in Utah and in our planet´s oceans.
In The Living Planet Aquarium...
- Travel from the river to the sea, as you experience a freshwater stream stocked with Utah´s fish species.
- Run your hands through a touch pool and discover the playful touch of friendly stingrays.
- Come nose to nose (almost!) with several species of fascinating sharks.
- Immerse your imagination in the ‘jellyfish’ room and watch the lights shimmer on their ever-dancing forms.
- Enjoy an interactive experience at the Bio-Facts Station.
- Stroll along the pier and take a ride on Great Salt Lake within our expanded Utah Wetlands exhibit.
Overview
1998 - Brent V. Andersen, marine biologist, begins developing vision for a world-class aquarium in Salt Lake.1999 – Two "aquavans" are outfitted with educational exhibits and begin visiting Utah schools.
2004 – The Living Planet Aquarium opens in The Gateway Mall in June.
2006 – To accommodate increasing crowds and expanding exhibits, a larger aquarium opens in Sandy in June. The Bio-Facts station, sponsored by XMission, opens as an interactive, educational exhibit. In six years’ time, three outreach vans have visited 237,915 students in 39 school districts.
2007 - The launch of two new exhibits, Jellyfish and the Conservation and Stewardship Hall, educate and entertain visitors!
2008 - Life on the Reef, an exhibit dedicated to exhibiting bustling reef life, opens in May.
Today- Over 750,000 people visited The Living Planet Aquarium since 2004! Our eduation and outreach programs have touched the lives of over 350,000 Utah school children. We continue to grow in the spirit of providing Utah families with opportunities to learn about local Utah habitats and exotic Marine life.