Humanity has carved itself quite a niche on Earth. As a species, we dominate dry land and no other vertebrate alive today could challenge this. But step a foot in the ocean and we become something akin to a fish out of water.
It’s alien. It’s a bit frightening and dark. The ocean provides its denizens a chilling way of life where only the fittest – and sometimes most cunning – survive. Finned predators are dominant here. For these reasons, the undersea environment is one of the most interesting ecosystems on Earth. And Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay is the perfect proponent in helping humanity to understand these mysteries.
The Shark Reef Aquarium, celebrating an incredible 10 years of success, allows visitors to experience the environment on many levels, viewing exhibits from all angles. Guests are able to see rays resting on the ocean floor and then look up and watch a school of fish swim overhead. In the temple exhibits, not only do visitors see the animals, they feel the mist on their skin, hear birds sing and see exotic flowers all around.
Why birds, you ask? Shark Reef Aquarium holds more than 2,000 divinely dangerous animals including the oceanic variety, such as sharks, various fish species, rays, sawfish, octopi, and more. But there are even crocodiles, piranhas and a rare Komodo Dragon. Shark Reef Aquarium holds nearly 1.6 million gallons of fresh and seawater in 14 major exhibits. The team put together an experience that doesn’t limit itself to only undersea life.
The newest and most thrilling recent introduction to the Shark Reef Aquarium family is the rare and beautiful Shark Ray. With its docile and graceful nature, the Shark Ray also possesses a prehistoric appearance with horn-like ridges along its head and back. Very little is known about this extremely rare species that receives its common name because of its flat, rounded underside, resembling rays, and shark-like dorsal fins. Shark Rays are sadly listed as a vulnerable species because it is not only rare, but highly desired in Asian markets for human consumption.
A total sensory experience, Shark Reef Aquarium transports visitors to an undersea ocean of fantastic sights, sounds and encounters. Unlike other aquariums and zoo exhibits in the U.S., Shark Reef Aquarium allows guests to experience a themed journey through an ancient temple that has been slowly claimed by the sea and into the hull of a sunken ship in shark-infested waters.
Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay is open daily, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. through September 6th. Last entry is one hour prior to closing. Ticket prices are $16.95 for adults and $10.95 for children; children four and under are free. Discounts are available for Nevada residents with identification. For more information call (702) 632-4555 or visit online at www.mandalaybay.com or www.sharkreef.com.
