Mississippi Aquarium
Mississippi Aquarium is a nonprofit public aquarium located in Gulfport, Mississippi; it opened August 29, 2020, on the 15th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, replacing the Marine Life Oceanarium, which was destroyed by the hurricane. The complex incorporates both indoor and outdoor habitats with more than 200 species of animals and 50 species of native plants. Construction costs were paid through federal, state, local, and private consortiums.
Construction
Groundbreaking ceremonies for the aquarium were held on May 11, 2018. The lead designer of the aquarium was Eley Guild Hardy Architects of Biloxi, with assistance from PGAV Destinations of St. Louis, and Brown, Mitchell & Alexander, Inc. of Gulfport/Biloxi.Funding for the US$93 million construction project – land acquisition, facility design, and construction – was achieved through public and private collaboration. Up to 90% of financial backing came from the City of Gulfport, the State of Mississippi, RESTORE Act grants, and funds from the Gulf of Mexico Energy Act. Private donations through the Mississippi Aquarium Foundation accounted for the remaining 10% of funding.
Features and exhibits
Distinct features at the aquarium entrance and emblazoned on its logo are three sails.Current and proposed exhibits include:
- Habitat of Alligator
- Habitat of river fish
- Habitat of North American river otter
- Habitat of bottlenose dolphin
- Aviary
- 360-degree acrylic underwater tunnel
- Bait ball habitat
- Habitat of bottom dwellers
- Visitor interaction with invertebrates
- Visitor interaction with sharks and rays
- Habitat of the Gulf Community
- Habitat of beaver
- Habitat of African penguin