Union Station’s New Addition
St. Louis welcomes new aquarium Dec. 25
The aquarium is separated into six different galleries from more local areas such as water life in the Mississippi and Missouri rivers as well as ocean life. More than 13,000 animals were relocated and brought from rescue organizations.
January 29, 2020
St. Louis is home to some of the most visited educational centers in the country – The St. Louis Zoo, Science Center, Art Museum, to name a few, are very popular destinations for families and visitors looking for fun places that are interactive and educational. Recently, a new aquarium opened and has welcomed thousands of visitors.
After $187 million and several months of progress, the St. Louis Aquarium took full transformation at the historic Union Station. On Dec. 25, Union Station’s St. Louis Aquarium opened up selling out of tickets quickly on its debut day. The aquarium hopes to educate others about aquatic life and promote water conservation.
The aquarium is separated into six different galleries from more local areas such as water life in the Mississippi and Missouri rivers as well as ocean life. More than 13,000 animals were relocated and brought from rescue organizations. A massive tank houses gray reef shark, devil ray, surgeonfish, and giant grouper. Visitors can interact with animals that are held in special tanks for touching.
Unlike most of St. Louis’ educational centers, the aquarium is not free. The cost for each adult is $25 and children between ages 3-12 cost $18. Annual passes are also available. The aquarium will be open 365 days a year from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday-Saturday.
“It was really fun, but I feel like it was a bit overpriced since it was kind of small. My favorite parts were the interactions they allowed people to have with the animals,” sophomore Mary Kate Rocco, who was able to visit over winter break, said.
While the aquarium has mixed reviews for staff and students at Liberty, most people have positive things to say in regards to the new addition.
“The new aquarium is not as big as I had anticipated, but it is a nice addition to what St.Louis has to offer the city. I also love how it is special needs friendly,” Mrs. Wiggs said.
