There’s only one real aquarium in the state of Indiana, and it makes its home at the Indianapolis Zoo in Indiana. Since there’s only one aquarium, we’re also going to explore two aquariums in neighboring states. The aquariums are:
Indianapolis ZooShedd AquariumSea Life Michigan Aquarium
Water is still the life’s blood of the world, even all the way in Indiana. So let’s get cracking and check out what their aquarium offers.
Indianapolis Zoo
The Indianapolis Zoo has what is known as their Oceans building, which holds their aquarium. The Oceans section is meant to be seen as its own biome, and you can explore the rich educational opportunities they offer. There are all sorts of animals available to be seen in this aquarium. Animals and sea life you can see with your very own eyes include: Don’t forget to check out the walrus exhibit and see if his tusks are longer than your arm. In addition to the Oceans exhibits, there is also the St. Vincent Dolphin Pavilion. This holds a viewing dome. Stand in awe and watch as the dolphins swim above and around you in the water, their lithe bodies skilled and playful. A viewing dome is like encasing yourself in a huge bubble, giving you the chance to see what it is like living underwater without any of that pesky equipment. Bring your whole family and give in to the experience fully. There are also daily dolphin presentations where you can watch trainers feed the dolphins and see them perform their spectacular tricks. Just be sure to stay out of the splash zone!
Shedd Aquarium
The Shedd Aquarium is across the state’s border in Illinois and has a rich history of servicing its community. The aquarium is a full house, with animals ranging from polar bears to frogs. Their galleries include: There is plenty to enjoy at the Shedd Aquarium if you take the time to go and see for yourself.
Sea Life Michigan Aquarium
More than 2,000 sea creatures find their home at Sea Life Michigan Aquarium. This aquarium is the largest one in Michigan and constantly creates new and exciting events to entertain its visitors. They know how to take care of their animals and keep them happy.
Conservation
Sea Life Michigan is more than just an aquarium. They are also huge pushers of conservation efforts, participating completely in local efforts to save animals. They raise lake sturgeon, a prominent local fish, and release them out into the wild to help the populations. Sea Life Michigan also breeds seahorses to help specific species keep up their populations. Michigan’s only ocean tunnel is a beautiful sight as you cross through the middle of the aquarium and spot the marine life that makes up our oceans. Exhibits to see are:
Michigan’s Only Underwater Tunnel360 Degree Shoaling RingInteractive Touch PoolStingray BeachShipwreckDoodle Reef
There are sharks at Sea Life Michigan Aquarium that can’t be viewed anywhere else in the state, so look in on the sharks as well. There are more than 150,000 gallons of water within this aquarium and thousands of animals to get to know. Take a day trip and find out why this is one of Michigan’s top places to visit.
Another Zoo to Consider
Brookfield Zoo- Check out the Bottlenose dolphins in the Seven Seas exhibit at the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago, Illinois. It’s possible to view them in their natural underwater habitat and see them grinning back.
