Mississippi Aquarium facts for kids
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| Date opened | August 29, 2020 |
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| Location | 2100 E. Beach Boulevard, Gulfport, Mississippi, United States of America |
| Land area | 5.8 acres (2.3 ha) |
| Coordinates | 30°22′4″N 89°5′18″W / 30.36778°N 89.08833°W |
| No. of species | >200 species of fish and other animals plus 50 species of native plants |
| Total volume of tanks | over 1 million US gallons (3,800 m3) of saltwater and freshwater |
| Major exhibits | 12 |
Mississippi Aquarium is a nonprofit public aquarium located in Gulfport, Mississippi; it opened August 29, 2020. The 5.8-acre (2.3 ha) complex incorporates both indoor and outdoor habitats with more than 200 species of animals and 50 species of native plants. Construction costs were paid through federal, state, local, and private consortiums.
Construction
Groundbreaking ceremonies for the aquarium were held on May 11, 2018. The lead designer of the aquarium was Eley Guild Hardy Architects of Biloxi, with assistance from PGAV Destinations of St. Louis, and Brown, Mitchell & Alexander, Inc. (consulting engineers) of Gulfport/Biloxi.
Funding for the US$93 million construction project – land acquisition, facility design, and construction – was achieved through public and private collaboration. Up to 90% of financial backing came from the City of Gulfport, the State of Mississippi, RESTORE Act grants, and funds from the Gulf of Mexico Energy Act. Private donations through the Mississippi Aquarium Foundation accounted for the remaining 10% of funding.
Mission
The mission of the Mississippi Aquarium is:
To be a premier institution delivering an awe-inspiring entertainment experience which supports animal research and conservation, inspires learning and instills a passion for the aquatic world.
Features and exhibits
Distinct features at the aquarium entrance and emblazoned on its logo are three sails that represent three pillars of the aquarium – education, conservation, and community.
Current and proposed exhibits include:
- Crocodile habitat
- Habitat of river fish
- Habitat of North American river otter
- Habitat of bottlenose dolphin
- Aviary
- 360-degree acrylic underwater tunnel
- Bait ball habitat
- Habitat of bottom dwellers
- Visitor interaction with invertebrates
- Visitor interaction with sharks and rays
- Penguin habitat
- Habitat of the Gulf Community
The aquarium complex contains landscaped footpaths that are lined with native plants from seven physiographic regions of Mississippi.
Images for kids
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An aerial view of the Mississippi Aquarium in 2022
