Living Planet Aquarium

An expansive indoor aquarium where you can view a wide variety of animal species.

This is a magnificent aquarium that is home to over 4,000 animals located just outside of Salt Lake City, Utah. When you drive up to the aquarium, you will immediately notice the massive alien-like monument out front; this is part of a new science learning campus that will offer even more hands-on learning to those seeking to learn more about our planet's ecosystems. 

The aquarium's Ocean Explorer exhibit features an underwater tunnel where you can marvel at nurse sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, and a giant octopus. The Expedition Asia exhibit also has neat animals to see, such as otters, tree dragons, Burmese tortoises, and the elusive clouded leopard. You can also see some giant fish swimming around like the rare Arowana fish. The Discover Utah area features fish and animals native to Utah, such as river otters, cutthroat trout, and desert tortoises. 

Another awesome part of the establishment is the deep sea lab that features a replica of a deep-sea submarine. There are some bizarre creatures here, like the Japanese spider crab and giant isopod. You can look at many deep sea creatures that you would otherwise never be able to see in person. Be sure to check out the exquisite tropical rain forest exhibit, which features animals from South America. You will feel the change in humidity once you enter, and it has free-flying birds like the toucan, tiny tree frogs, electric eels, an anaconda, and adorable two-toed sloths. There is also a 17-foot-tall waterfall inside this exhibit that adds to the atmosphere in a remarkable way.

There is a penguin research station on the property that features gentoo penguins. You can see them swim around and waddle on land through the floor to ceiling windows in the exhibit. If you want to experience feeding them, private penguin encounters are available at this aquarium. These encounters last about 50 minutes long so you can really get to know the individual penguins that live here.

As you leave the aquarium, you can stop by the gift shop to pick up special souvenirs like stuffed animals, apparel, and other unique items. There is also a cafe on the left-hand side of you as you first enter the aquarium if you need a bite to eat. The Living Planet Aquarium is a place for all nature and wildlife enthusiasts - whether you're well-versed on  these topics or not, you're bound to learn and see something new when you visit!