I am a SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium Parent Ambassador and will be receiving an exclusive first look at events leading up to the attraction’s grand opening and complimentary tickets. All opinions expressed are my own.
Really exciting news, ya’ll: the SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium grand opening is opening January 29, 2015 at noon, and I have the scoop on the latest activity.
On Thursday, the 35,000-square-foot aquarium in Great Lakes Crossing Outlets in Auburn Hills, Mich., welcomed one Nurse shark, three Blacknose sharks and two Bonnethead sharks to their new home, along with the enthusiastic winners of the Young Environmentalist contest—aged 8 to 12—standing by to cheer them on.
The creatures arrived in a transport truck, and after some testing and preparation, were rushed inside via stretchers by trained aquarists. The sharks were then placed into a small, connected acclimation tank before swimming off into the main ocean tank. A crew continuously checked water parameters at regular intervals, looking at ammonia levels, oxygen, temperature and pH, and curator Lucy Handel was there to help as well.
Many of the other creatures, including Moray eels, seahorses and stingray, have already been delivered to the aquarium, with the remaining inhabitants arriving within the next week, allowing them time to settle in before the attraction opens.
SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium will feature 22 tanks in highly themed, engaging exhibits, including a 180-degree ocean tunnel and interactive touchpools. SEA LIFE’s conservation messaging will be included throughout, inspiring guests to take an active role in protecting the world’s oceans and sea creatures.
Tickets to SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium are now available online at http://bit.ly/SEALIFEMItickets at special pre-opening rates.
Follow SEA LIFE Michigan’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for more updates.
Also, learn more about curator Lucy Handel at this recent post.
*All images in this post are courtesy of SEA LIFE*
Will you be visiting SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium soon? Who will you be taking?
I am SO excited for this to open! What an amazing giveaway! 🙂
I know! I’m heading there for a sneak peek on the 22nd and can’t wait to report back 🙂
can’t wait to visit!
Had no idea this was being built..how exciting
I’m so excited!!
The underwater tunnel looks so cool.
I agree!