SHARK REEF AQUARIUM OFFERS TROPICAL OCEAN AMIDST THE DESERT SANDS

6/15/2010
Dangerous predators and unusual aquatic creatures are the focus of Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, a 90,560-square-foot aquarium.

Since its debut in 2000, Shark Reef Aquarium has become a must-see attraction, where adults and children alike flock to get up close and personal with more than 2,000 divinely dangerous animals including sharks, crocodiles, sawfish, piranhas and a rare Komodo Dragon. Shark Reef Aquarium holds nearly 1.6 million gallons of fresh and seawater in 14 major exhibits.

A total sensory experience, Shark Reef Aquarium transports visitors to an undersea ocean of fantastic sights, sounds and encounters. Unlike other aquariums and zoo exhibits in the U.S., Shark Reef Aquarium allows guests to experience a themed journey through an ancient temple that has been slowly claimed by the sea and onto the deck of a sunken ship in shark-infested waters.

“Shark Reef Aquarium gives visitors the unique opportunity to closely observe rare predators such as a Komodo Dragon, Golden Crocodiles and several species of magnificent sharks all under one roof,” said Adrienne Rowland, the facility’s director. “Shark Reef Aquarium offers an unforgettable themed adventure, transporting visitors past jungle creatures and down into a sunken ship with sharks gliding overhead. It is thrilling to be within reach of such fascinating animals.”

Part of the attraction of Shark Reef Aquarium is that it allows visitors to experience the environment on many levels – viewing exhibits from all angles. Guests are able to see rays resting on the ocean floor and then look up and watch a school of fish swim overhead. In the temple exhibits, not only do visitors see the animals, they feel the mist on their skin, hear birds sing and see exotic flowers all around.

Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 2003, this facility was conceived with an international team of aquarium and exhibit designers. Anchored by Las Vegas architectural firm Klai::Juba, the team includes overall development guidance by the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre of Vancouver, Canada; exhibit design of BIOS:Inc. of Seattle; animal life support engineering systems by TA Maranda of Seattle and Desert Plumbing of Las Vegas; animal care criteria by Dr. Dennis Thoney of New York, NY, and the advice and consultation of a variety of scientific and technical experts from five continents.

Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay is open Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Last entry is one hour prior to closing. Ticket prices are $16.95 for adults and $10.95 for children; children four and under are free. Discounts are available for Nevada residents with identification. For more information call (702) 632-4555.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Wendie Mosca
MGM Resorts International Public Relations
(702) 650-7536
wmosca@mgmresorts.com