Loveland Living Planet Aquarium

History

The Loveland Living Planet Aquarium was founded in 1997 by Brent Andersen, a Utah native and marine biology graduate from the University of California Santa Barbara.

Exhibits

Ocean Explorer

The Ocean Explorer features saltwater species from all over the world, including jellyfish, moray eels, octopus, seahorses, sea turtles, wolf eels, clownfish, lionfish, stingrays, and nine species of shark. Shark species include swellsharks, horn sharks, coral catsharks, epaulette sharks, nurse sharks, zebra sharks, sandbar sharks, blacktip reef sharks, and grey reef sharks. The shark tunnel weighs 26,000 pounds and was lifted through the roof of the aquarium with a crane. The tunnel is made from 3.5 inch thick acrylic.

Antarctic Adventure

Antarctic Adventure immerses guests in a Falkland Islands research station where they meet gentoo penguins. As of early April 2025, macaroni penguins were also added to the habitat.

Journey to South America

The Journey to South America is made to look like a rainforest, and houses animals such as a 14-foot yellow anaconda, piranhas, caiman, corydoras, tarantulas, tree boas, electric eels, and poison dart frogs. The exhibit is meant to educate guests about the biodiversity of rainforest ecosystems, the benefits rainforests provide, and how to help protect rainforest habitats.

Discover Utah

The Discover Utah was added during a big renovation on October 24, 2013, and contains Bonneville Cutthroat Trout, Desert tortoises, and North American River Otters. The exhibit has a focus on the local wildlife (as the name suggests) and is presented by the Central Utah Water Conservancy District.

Expedition: Asia

Expedition: Asia opened on June 15, 2016. The traveling exhibit features a breeding pair of clouded leopards, three male Asian small-clawed otters, three Asian arowana, a baby Komodo dragon, and many different species of Asian birds, fish, and reptiles, including even Vietnamese white clouds, Nicobar pigeons and common hill mynas. The main feature of Expedition: Asia are the aquarium's two roul-rouls, Roulanda and Raoul.

Rio Tinto Kennecott Plaza

The Rio Tinto Kennecott Plaza was added to the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium in 2020. It features the signature VR claw, two playgrounds, and even outdoor habitats for various fish species.

Community outreach

The aquarium's education department currently operates two outreach programs: the Utah Waters Van and the Rainforest Van.

References

References

1. Wadley, Carma. (31 May 2009). "Living Planet Aquarium offers a fun-filled educational experience for kids of all ages". [[Deseret News]].
2. "Living Planet Aquarium Exhibits".
3. "Utah Aquarium Breaks Ground October 24".
4. Ostergar, Martha. (27 March 2015). "Photos: Loveland Living Aquarium". KSL.
5. Knudson, Max B.. (19 Feb 1998). "Duo set sights on huge Living Planet Aquarium for Utah". [[Deseret News]].
6. "Ocean Explorer". Loveland Living Planet Aquarium.
7. "Antarctic Adventure". Loveland Living Planet Aquarium.
8. (April 6, 2025). "Macaroni penguins arrive at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium".
9. "Journey to South America | Loveland Living Planet Aquarium".
10. (October 14, 2012). "Groundbreaking for Loveland Living Planet Aquarium, Utah".
11. "Discover Utah | Loveland Living Planet Aquarium | Draper, UT".
12. "Expedition: Asia". Loveland Living Planet Aquarium.
13. (2 July 2020). "New expansion at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium, formerly used for major concert tour".
14. Hayes, Elyse. (30 May 2002). "New 'water' vans deliver education to students". Deseret News.
15. Campbell, Joel. (14 December 1999). "Van Puts Rain Forest In The Classroom". Deseret News.