fkalltheway, thank you for posting those! I wish it had been open when I visited in September of 2015. I am finally compiling a list of species that were on exhibit during my visit, and I will post it in a separate thread. Please feel free to piggyback on the list once it is posted in a reply if you noted all the species in the new addition, Expedition Asia! I also plan to post my pictures in the gallery but will probably wait a month so that they do not bump your new pictures of the new addition too quickly.
Has anyone seen this yet? The Aquarium is gathering funding for a Science Center that will supposedly house a new Rainforest exhibit. sciencecenter
It is quite incredible that the aquarium is already planning for a $21 million expansion onto a 9-acre lot but the facility has been tremendously successful since its 2014 opening. When the expansion is complete in 2020 then it would seem that Living Planet will join the upper echelon of aquariums in the United States.
Here is an added design element to the campus expansion, it's a large former setpiece from a rock band's worldwide tour: Sprawling expansion plan for Living Planet Aquarium in Utah has a huge centerpiece: U2’s ‘The Claw’
A ton of info about the Science Learning Center was released. There will be an Asian Cloud Forest Habitat. I'm posting concept of of a new Binturong exhibit. I'm expecting new exhibits for the Clouded Leopards and Asian Small-clawed Otters. Also planned is a Endangered Species Conservation Center focused on a robust breeding program between other zoological institutions. They plan on starting construction this fall, and are expected to complete it by 2021. Sources: Sprawling expansion plan for Living Planet Aquarium in Utah has a huge centerpiece: U2’s ‘The Claw’ https://www.usnews.com/news/enterta...-to-be-centerpiece-of-utah-aquarium-expansion Click here to support Create the Science Learning Campus organized by Loveland Living Planet Aquarium
Here is an article about a gentoo penguin genetics study: DRAPER, Utah, Aug. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Loveland Living Planet Aquarium's (LLPA) penguins are the focus of the first-ever study to sequence Gentoo penguin DNA to determine the paternity of eight chicks, as published electronically in the scientific journal, Zoo Biology (DOI 10.1002/zoo.21432). "This research could change the way aquariums and zoos nationwide care for penguins," said Loveland Living Planet Aquarium founder and CEO Brent Andersen. "We're excited to be the first organization to have this groundbreaking research take place." Animal care professionals frequently use observational techniques to monitor penguin mating behavior. The objective of the study was to determine if these observations matched DNA results. The study, performed by Assistant Professor Eric Domyan, Ph. D. at Utah Valley University (UVU), along with his students Lauren Lee and Nathan Tirrell, concluded that behavioral observations were not always correct. Based on observations, a penguin named Gossamer was thought to be the father of Poppy and Scamper, two chicks born at LLPA. DNA sequencing results showed a different story, as Roto is actually the father of these two birds. These findings indicate that while observations are helpful and generally correct, DNA provides hard evidence to prove relationships, allowing aquariums and zoos to ensure genetic diversity among penguins in their care. "Genetic diversity is critical to maintain species viability over generations," said Domyan. "By having that viability, animals are more resistant to diseases and environmental changes." Because this is the first time Gentoo penguin DNA sequencing was performed to determine paternity, UVU researchers had to sequence almost 200,000 locations in the penguin genome, identifying 38,000 differences that were used to determine the relationships between birds. To conduct the study, UVU researchers collected blood samples from LLPA's 19 penguins as part of a routine veterinarian exam last year. Eleven of the penguins came to LLPA from Moody Gardens in Texas. Eight of the penguins were born at LLPA." Loveland Living Planet Aquarium Penguins Focus of First Gentoo Penguin Genetics Study | Markets Insider
Here is an article about the aquarium starting construction on its new plaza with the giant 'Claw': Utah aquarium starts construction of U2 tour stage for new plaza | attractionsmanagement.com news
The aquarium is re-opening tomorrow, May 9: Coronavirus updates: Loveland Living Planet Aquarium to reopen Saturday with limited capacity
In June a Southern three-banded armadillo was born. Source: Instagram of Living Planet Aquarium (29/06/2021) https://www.instagram.com/p/CQtiMMRjYwI/
Other 2021 News: Spoiler On February 13th, the aquarium announced they have transferred a (1.0) keel-billed toucan named Amor to the Staten Island Zoo in New York. Log into Facebook On July 3rd, the aquarium announced that (0.0.7) boreal toads were hatched in April and released on July 8th. Log into Facebook On August 1st, the aquarium announced the three-banded armadillo born on May 5th's gender (0.1) and name Dahlia. Log into Facebook On November 1st, it was reported that the aquarium received funding from the AZA for their conservation work with zebra sharks. AZA selects 13 projects to receive conservation grant funding --------------------------------------------------------- 2022 News: On March 25th, the aquarium announced they are opening the EECO Command Center and starting construction on a new science learning center later in 2022. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=706841897003521 On April 20th, the aquarium announced that due to avian influenza, they have moved some bird species off exhibit. Log into Facebook On June 5th, the aquarium announced they have started construction on new bird exhibits at the Rio Tinto Kennecott Plaza. Log into Facebook On August 25th, the aquarium announced they have acquired a (0.1) Asian small-clawed otter named Honey a couple months prior. Also on August 25th, it was announced that the aquarium transferred a (1.0) Asian small-clawed otter named Theo to the Audubon Zoo in Louisiana. Log into Facebook https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=3197658350562893
On October 12th, the aquarium announced they officially broke ground on the Sam and Aline W. Skaggs Science Learning Center. 登录 Facebook On December 27th, the aquarium announced they transferred a (0.1) three-banded armadillo named Dhalia to ZooMontana in Montana. 登录 Facebook
On January 13th, 2023, the aquarium announced they acquired (0.0.4) giant isopods (species not specified) which are now on exhibit in the Deep Sea exhibit. Giant Isopods | Our newest residents at the Aquarium are......giant isopods! What do you think: creepy or cute? | By The Living Planet Aquarium | Facebook On March 17th, the aquarium announced they acquired a (0.1) yellow anaconda which is now on exhibit in the Journey to South America area. On April 12th, the aquarium announced its name, Yacu. The Living Planet Aquarium The Living Planet Aquarium On June 23rd, the aquarium announced that they acquired a (0.0.1) Komodo dragon from the Bronx Zoo in New York on June 21st. Also on June 23rd, the aquarium announced they will be opening a new exhibit featuring the dragon on June 28th. We have some BIG news! Well,... - The Living Planet Aquarium
That's the plan. Alongside the clouded Leopards, Binturongs, and I believe they're looking to get some tree kangaroos for it as well. Leads to the question of what will be replacing much of the Asia exhibit since it seems most of the big draws will be going to the new building
On July 13th, the aquarium announced that a (1.0) gentoo penguin named Uno passed away on July 9th at age 8 due to pneumonia. It is with a heavy heart that... - The Living Planet Aquarium On July 18th, the aquarium announced the name of the dragon, Raja. Announcing the name of our... - The Living Planet Aquarium On August 23rd, the aquarium announced that their (1.0) giant Pacific octopus named Otto passed away. With their captivating... - The Living Planet Aquarium
I can say that the entire staff was absolutely devastated. Uno was very inquisitive, was hand reared at the aquarium and loved attention. Was always rushing in to be with and interact with people for feedings. Would also swim along the front of the glass to entertain guests. Would nip above boots to let husbandry know it was his turn to be fed. I'm going to miss that damn bird- I'm just in tears right now looking through pictures even though it happened a bit back
