Coral Reef’s, Dense Jungles and a Subantarctic Island at Utah’s Aquarium
“Look, Dad, it’s like I’m in the water!” the young boy excitedly called out to his father as he twirled around the floor in the sea jellies exhibit. That child discovered what it’s like to be fully engaged in the natural world at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium in Draper.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to explore a dense South American jungle or a mysterious Asian rainforest? Or sail to a subantarctic island to visit a colony of Gentoo penguins? Would you quietly explore the peaceful serenity of beautiful coral reefs teeming with colorful fish as ethereal jellyfish float by? Or be thrilled by the awe-inducing sight of sharks swimming with sea turtles and rays?
The Aquarium is home to more than 3,000 animals of 450 different species. The Aquarium showcases ecosystems from around the world, offering guests the chance to experience what it would really look and feel like in the Amazon rainforest or swimming in the ocean with sharks.
Exploring these ecosystems and learning about all the intricate layers of life; seeing a bit further, higher, deeper, and denser is one of the goals of the Aquarium. A dedicated team of professionals like Scott Chambers, Curator of Birds and Mammals, takes care of the animals and exhibits.
“The Aquarium is a place where we can showcase the Earth’s amazing diverse ecosystems and how every single piece plays a part, whether it is a tiny Leaf-cutter ant or a Blue whale. Everything is intertwined and is somehow dependent on everything else,” says Chambers.
The Aquarium’s newest gallery, Expedition: Asia features two Clouded leopards, Asian small-clawed otters, giant Asian fish, exotic birds, and more. Guests get to explore a variety of species and environments in Asia, from the cloud forest to the ocean.
The Aquarium is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. For more information, go to thelivingplanet.com.
