The Living Planet Aquarium, Public aquarium and zoo in Draper, United States.
The Living Planet Aquarium is a public aquarium and zoo in Draper, Utah, presenting numerous animal species across different themed areas. The facility includes several exhibit zones where marine life, freshwater inhabitants, and terrestrial species are displayed in recreated environments.
Brent Andersen, a Utah native and marine biology graduate of the University of California Santa Barbara, founded the aquarium in 1997. A preview exhibit opened in June 2004 at the Gateway Mall in downtown Salt Lake City, then moved to Sandy in 2006. The current Draper building opened on March 25, 2014, after a 17-year effort.
The name of the aquarium reflects its mission to show ecosystems from all continents, from freshwater habitats to tropical coastal waters. Visitors experience wildlife in recreated environments that offer insights into different climate zones and their inhabitants.
Most areas of the aquarium are accessible, with ramps and elevators available for wheelchair users. It is advisable to arrive earlier on weekends, as visitor numbers tend to be higher and more time should be planned for exploring the different zones.
The shark tunnel weighs 26,000 pounds and was lifted through the roof of the aquarium with a crane. Its walls are made of acrylic 3.5 inches thick, and nine shark species swim around it, from swellsharks to grey reef sharks.
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