News Summary
The Florida Aquarium in Tampa has introduced its newest feature, The Tide Pool, the largest cold-water tide pool exhibit on the Gulf Coast. Measuring 60 feet and containing 4,000 gallons of seawater, this exhibit provides hands-on experiences with over 200 marine invertebrates. Visitors can enjoy its wave action system and dynamic lighting effects that reflect natural environments. The Tide Pool is part of a $45 million expansion aimed at enhancing guest experiences and education on marine conservation. The aquarium celebrates its 30th anniversary while planning future exhibits featuring puffins, sea lions, and penguins.
Tampa – The Florida Aquarium has launched its latest attraction, The Tide Pool, which boasts the largest cold-water tide pool exhibit on the Gulf Coast. This immersive experience measures 60 feet in length and contains 4,000 gallons of seawater, which is consistently maintained at a refreshing 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The exhibit is designed to engage visitors through hands-on interaction with over 200 marine invertebrates, marking a significant increase from the previous No Bone Zone exhibit.
The Tide Pool allows guests to connect with nature by interacting with a variety of fascinating sea creatures, including giant pink sea stars, squat lobsters, and spot prawns. One of the standout features of The Tide Pool is its innovative wave action system that simulates the natural ebb and flow of a Pacific Northwest tide pool, with waves rolling in every 30 seconds for a truly authentic experience. This environment is further enhanced by a dynamic day-night cycle every 20 minutes, which transforms the lighting to reflect changes in the natural environment.
Innovative Design Features
A custom mural complements the exhibit and creatively changes under UV-reactive lighting, serving as a stunning backdrop to the hands-on interactions. These design features collectively create an engaging space for visitors of all ages to learn about marine ecosystems and the importance of marine conservation.
Significant Expansion
The Tide Pool is part of a broader $45 million expansion project at The Florida Aquarium, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. The aquarium, renowned for its dedication to guest experience, education, and conservation efforts, welcomes over a million visitors annually, and has been recognized as one of the top 10 aquariums in the United States by USA Today.
Looking to the Future
The Florida Aquarium has ambitious plans for the future, which include the introduction of puffins by late 2026 to early 2027, as well as California sea lions and an African penguin habitat anticipated between late 2027 and early 2028. These future exhibits will further enhance the aquarium’s mission to inspire and educate guests about the importance of marine conservation.
Accessibility and Educational Mission
The Tide Pool exhibit is included with a general admission ticket to The Florida Aquarium, ensuring accessibility for all visitors. The aquarium continues to reflect its core mission through engaging exhibits and educational resources aimed at raising awareness about marine life and conservation challenges.
With the opening of The Tide Pool, The Florida Aquarium not only enriches its offerings but also reinforces its commitment to providing an exceptional visitor experience while promoting environmental awareness. As it continues to grow and evolve, The Florida Aquarium remains a vital resource for education and inspiration in the realms of marine science and conservation.
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Additional Resources
- ABC Action News: New Tide Pool Habitat
- Morningstar: A New Wave of Wonder
- Business Wire: Florida Aquarium Accreditation
- ABC Action News: AquaED at Florida Aquarium
- Wikipedia: Florida Aquarium
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