World Aquarium facts for kids
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| Location | 810 N 3rd St., St. Louis, Missouri 63102, U.S. |
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| Coordinates | 38°37′53″N 90°11′07″W / 38.631310°N 90.185385°W |
The World Aquarium was a special place in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. It was like a big home for many animals where you could learn about them and even interact with some! Leonard Sonnenschein started this amazing spot. It was known for being a fun, hands-on animal exhibit. You could even feed and touch many of the animals there. The aquarium also offered different ways to visit, like regular tickets, school trips, and special behind-the-scenes tours. Sadly, it closed its doors in mid-2019.
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Animals You Could Meet
The World Aquarium was home to many different kinds of animals. They lived in displays spread across several levels and rooms. Some areas had huge tanks with lots of fish. Other parts were designed for you to get up close and personal with the animals.
Amazing Aquatic Creatures
You could see many cool animals that live in water, including:
- Sharks
- Rays
- Turtles
- Marsh turtles
- Otters
Other Awesome Animals
Besides water animals, the aquarium also had creatures from land, such as:
- Parrots
- Snakes
- Alligators
- Crocodiles
- Sloths
What Was the Aquarium's Goal?
The World Aquarium had an important mission. Its main goal was to help people learn more about animals that live in water and their homes. They wanted everyone to understand how important it is to protect our planet's water. The aquarium also aimed to be a leader in keeping aquatic resources safe for the future.
A Look at Its History
The World Aquarium first opened its doors in 1993. It relied a lot on help from volunteers and donations to keep running. Many volunteers loved the aquarium so much they worked there for five years or even longer!
Moving to a New Home
After being open for many years, the aquarium took a short break. In 2016, it moved from its old spot at City Museum to a new, historic building. This new location was right by the Mississippi Riverfront. It was also very close to the famous Gateway Arch, offering great views.
Its Final Years
The new location was very popular for a few years. Visitors enjoyed the exhibits and the beautiful surroundings. However, in 2019, the World Aquarium closed permanently.
