Wonders of Wildlife Museum & Aquarium

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Wonders of Wildlife Museum & Aquarium
Main entrance
Main entrance
Date opened November 1, 2001
Location Springfield, Missouri, USA
Number of Species 225
Accreditations/
Memberships		 AZA
Website

The American National Fish and Wildlife Museum doing business as Wonders of Wildlife Museum & Aquarium also known as Wonders of Wildlife Zooquarium or just Wonders of Wildlife in Springfield, Missouri, showcases more than 225 species of live animals, fresh and saltwater aquariums, interactive displays and educational programs. The 92,000-square-foot (8,500 m²) facility, designed by Cambridge Seven Associates, opened on November 2, 2001. [1]

Contents

[edit] Inception

Wonders of Wildlife is a result of intensive lobbying campaign and financial support of John Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops. He campaigned and lobbied for the ballot initiative that funded the $52,000,000.00 cost of building the museum and the creation of a "museum district" that allows a special sales tax be collected at Bass Pro Shops and a small shoe store across from Bass Pro Shops to fund the project.[citations needed] This project also received $ 1.5 million in federal appropriations. [2]

[edit] Features

Missouri wildlife habitat exhibit
Missouri wildlife habitat exhibit

The museum replicates the native Ozark habitat and serves as home to many Missouri wildlife species.

[edit] The Community Pond

This area provides visitors with a view of Missouri pond life from underneath. [3]

[edit] Meeting facilities

The museum is available for hosting receptions, dances, and parties. It can accommodate 400 people in its upper and lower lobbies. Larger groups can rent the entire facility, and smaller groups can take advantage of the Conservation Library, Out to See Gallery, or Tropical Coast room. [4]

[edit] Out to Sea Gallery

"Out to Sea Gallery"
"Out to Sea Gallery"

The "Out to See" exhibit features a 21-foot (6.4 m) deep, 225,000 US gallon aquarium. It houses sharks, rays, and a variety of other tropical fish. [5]

[edit] Future development

The museum will also house the "Archery Hall of Fame and Museum" and the "Fred Bear Museum". [6]

[edit] External links

[edit] References

  1. ^ "American National Fish & Wildlife Museum (Wonders of Wildlife)", Cambridge Seven Associates. Retrieved on 2007-03-06. 
  2. ^ Bond, Christopher. "Letter from Senator Bond to Wonders of Wildlife", U.S. Senate, 2001-11-01. Retrieved on [[2007-04-06]]. 
  3. ^ "New Museum Offers Unique Meeting Space", MeetingsNet, 2001-08-13. Retrieved on 2007-04-06. 
  4. ^ "New Museum Offers Unique Meeting Space", MeetingsNet, 2001-08-13. Retrieved on 2007-04-06. 
  5. ^ McEowen, Bob. "Wonders — Wild & Alive", Rural Missouri, 2001-11. Retrieved on 2007-03-06. 
  6. ^ "Archery Hall of Fame Grant", Traditional Bowhunter, 2004. Retrieved on 2007-04-06. 
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Zoos, aquaria and aviaries