After years of hard labor and much anticipation, Friday, Sept. 1, marked the grand opening of the Sobela Ocean Aquarium, located in the Kansas City Zoo.

What Went Into it?

Construction began in May of 2021 using the funds gathered from as far back as 2011. A total of $77 million was spent on the aquarium.

650,000 gallons of water fills the aquarium as a home to 8,000 aquatic organisms across 200 species and 34 exhibits.

What do People Think?

Sophomore Mary Claire Hill said she planned to visit the new aquarium when she has the time because she thinks it will be a fun and educational experience.

Sophomore Lacey Tennison had similar thoughts.

Tennison said, “If I could, I would love to go.”

She said if she was able to go, she would love to see all the new and interesting animals, “…and maybe get some good pictures for my photography class.”

Family and consumer sciences teacher Sarah Lorenson said her family loves going to the zoo and even has a pass, and each time they visit the zoo it feels like a new experience.

“I have, the new exhibits are really modern with a sleek design,” Lorenson said. “Also, it was made to have good movement throughout the building,” and, “I love that it has animals that other aquariums don’t.”

Lorenson shared that from her experiences on her trip with her family, she believes it is definitely worth going to; especially since it’s free with admission to the zoo and has cool animals.

The aquarium has been open for a month and still bustles with so much activity that people must have a reservation to enter.

Go and see for yourself.