Aquarium of Boise facts for kids
| Date opened | December 16, 2011 |
|---|---|
| Location | Boise, Idaho, United States |
| Coordinates | 43°36′19″N 116°16′24″W / 43.60541°N 116.27333°W |
| No. of animals | 5000 |
| No. of species | 300 |
| Volume of largest tank | 17,000 gallon |
| Annual visitors | 180,000 |
| Major exhibits | 32 |
The Aquarium of Boise is a fun and educational place in Boise, Idaho, USA. It's a special kind of zoo for water animals. It opened its doors in 2011 and is run by a non-profit group. This means it's not just about making money. It's about teaching people and helping animals.
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Discover the Aquarium's Story
The idea for the Aquarium of Boise started in 2008. A group of people wanted to create a place where everyone could learn about ocean life. They worked hard to find the right spot. Finally, they turned a large, old building into the aquarium. This building was about 10,000-square-foot (930 m2) in size.
When Did the Aquarium Open?
The Aquarium of Boise first opened on December 16, 2011. When it first opened, some parts were still being built. But the aquarium kept adding new and exciting exhibits over time. Many people visit the aquarium each month. This includes school groups and families from Idaho and nearby states.
How the Aquarium Got Its Name
For a while, the aquarium was called the "Idaho Aquarium." But on May 21, 2014, its name officially changed. It became the "Aquarium of Boise." This change helped the aquarium focus on its goal. It wanted to be a key part of the Boise community. New leaders also joined to help guide the aquarium.
What Is the Aquarium's Main Goal?
The Aquarium of Boise has an important mission. It wants to teach and inspire people. The goal is to help everyone understand and protect our planet's ecosystems. These include both land and water environments.
Caring for Our Planet
The aquarium works to make life better for all animals. It teaches people of all ages how to care for nature. By learning more, we can help protect all life on Earth. This helps create a better future for everyone. The aquarium also follows rules from many important groups. These groups make sure animals are safe and cared for.
Explore Amazing Exhibits
The Aquarium of Boise is famous for its interactive exhibits. These are places where you can get hands-on with animals. It's a great way to learn by doing!
Interactive Touch Tanks
Many exhibits let you touch or even hold animals. You can gently feel things like coral and starfish. You might even get to touch crabs, small sharks, and stingrays. It's a unique experience to connect with these creatures.
Meet Ocean Animals
The aquarium has many different types of ocean animals. You can see a special area for baby sharks. There's also a beautiful coral reef habitat. You can watch sharks and rays swim in their pool. A cool jellyfish tank shows these amazing creatures floating. There are also tide pools that show what life is like on the coast.
Animals Beyond the Ocean
It's not just about fish! The Aquarium of Boise also has animals that live on land or in trees. You might see colorful lories. There are also interesting tree frogs and chameleons. These exhibits help you learn about different kinds of habitats.
Future Plans for the Aquarium
The Aquarium of Boise is always growing. It plans to add more space for new exhibits. Soon, there might be a Marine Science Academy. This will be a place for even deeper learning. New reptile exhibits are also planned. An octopus exhibit and a bird aviary are also in the works. Plus, a Marine Science Laboratory will help with research.
