New 650,000-gallon aquarium at Kansas City Zoo will open later this year. Here’s when
The Kansas City Zoo’s new 650,000-gallon aquarium is scheduled to open Labor Day weekend, officials announced on social media Monday.
With the announcement, zoo officials shared a video of a sandbar shark named Chandler, one of thousands of sea animals who will be part of the new indoor aquarium that will be open to visitors all year. The zoo will also feature fish from Australia and the Caribbean.
Visitors will be able to explore six habitats, including coral reefs, warm-water shores and the deep ocean, with 30 small exhibits to teach them about the ocean’s vastness and diversity.
The aquarium will house more than 8,000 animals, including Sand tiger sharks, Zebra sharks, Giant pacific octopus and sea turtles.
“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.”
Officials said the project will cost $77 million and is expected to generate $45 million in annual revenue and around 100 new jobs in the area.
Ticket prices will range from $9.50 to $22, and residents of Jackson and Clay counties and zoo members can get up to 50% off of admission prices plus opportunities for free admission.
