A giant aquarium is opening at the Kansas City Zoo this fall. Here are 6 things to know
Get ready to explore the ocean from right here in Kansas City.
The Kansas City Zoo will have a brand new aquarium by the end of the year — featuring thousands of sea animals, an array of habitats and exhibits that highlight the world’s incredible sea life.
The new addition to the zoo will be indoors and open year-round starting later this fall.
“Many children in Kansas City have not had the opportunity to visit the sea, touch the sand, or smell the ocean,” Ana Hernandez, a Friends of the Zoo board member, said in a statement. “Having an aquarium in our city will make those dreams come true for all children, regardless of socioeconomic status. The whole family will be able to enjoy a trip to the ocean.”
Many of the animals that will call the new aquarium home have already landed in Kansas City. The zoo has received native fish from Australia and the Caribbean. It’s also expecting to welcome its first sharks later this month, Kansas City Zoo Director of Marketing, Kim Romary said in an email.
1. How big will it be?
The new 650,000 gallon aquarium will be located next to the Helzberg Penguin Plaza.
There will be six habitats and 30 small exhibits within those habitats to help visitors understand the vastness and diversity of ocean life.
The six habitats will imitate warm-water shores, coral reefs, tropical lagoons, mangrove forests and sandy shores, and the deep ocean, according to the Kansas City Zoo’s website.
2. How many animals will be there?
There will be more than 8,000 animals in the new aquarium, including Sand tiger sharks, Zebra sharks, Giant pacific octopus and rescued sea turtles. There will also be more exotic animals like Monkeyface pricklebacks and Pacific spiny lumpsuckers.
3. How much does the project cost?
The new aquarium will cost $77 million and is expected to generate $45 million in revenue on an annual basis, according to the Kansas City Zoo. The aquarium will also generate around 100 new jobs for Kansas Citians.
4. Will it cost extra for visitors to see the aquarium?
No. Admission to the aquarium will be included with regular tickets to the Kansas City zoo.
Ticket prices for the zoo range from $9.50 to $22. Jackson and Clay County residents and Kansas City Zoo members receive special discounts up to 50% off, plus opportunities for free admission.
5. When will it open?
The new aquarium will open in September 2023 around Labor Day and will be accessible year-round, according to the Kansas City Zoo.
6. What are the animals’ names going to be?
The zoo has not named any of the new aquatic animals yet, according to Romary.
There will be two special opportunities for students to get involved and get a chance to help name the animals in the new aquarium.
Schools that fundraise the most money will get to help name the new animals, and classrooms that participate in conservation awareness activities will also be placed in a drawing to help name the animals. The eligible activities are listed here on the Kansas City Zoo’s website. The deadline to participate is May 1. To join in on the festivities, visit here.