Mississippi Aquarium has released that over $4 million in renovations have been made to the Changing Tides building.
According to the aquarium, the newly remodeled area will house 23 new habitats that are designed to mimic the environs of a Kelp Forest, Tropical Jungle, and Warm Water Oceans.
Tito, a two-toed sloth will share his new space with Peli, a three-banded armadillo. Attendees will also be able to get up close and personal with a giant Pacific octopus with a tank that includes a mini tunnel under the exhibit.
Over 130 different species including sea horses, a tarantula, snakes, lizards, hissing cockroaches, and poison dart frogs will be on display throughout the expanded area.
Along with marine, reptiles, and other wildlife housed in Changing Tides, the expansion will include a new food and beverage service option driven by Amazon Go’s walk-out technology. Breeze Creative’s Draw Alive, which brings children’s drawings to life, is also expected to provide kids with a fun and interactive activity.
The project marks the first major expansion since the aquarium’s opening in 2020, with the 7,000-square-foot space set to officially open on August 25.
“We listened to early visitors who asked us for more exhibits and activities for kids,” Kurt Allen, Mississippi Aquarium President and Chief Executive Officer, said. “Changing Tides is our answer to those constructive comments, and we want to invite those who have visited previously to come back and see this amazing new expansion.”
In addition to the soon-to-be-unveiled space, the aquarium has announced the introduction of a free annual pass for children between the ages of three and five. The pass will be available for a limited time and will include unlimited visits until the child’s sixth birthday.
Parents and guardians can begin registering their children for the pre-K Free Pass on the aquarium’s website on Monday, August 7. A copy or photo of a birth certificate or passport will be required to verify the child’s age when activating the pass at the aquarium.
All adult, youth, senior, and military annual passes will also be on sale starting Monday for the lowest price of the year. Annual passes will include several new amenities, including free parking in the Coastal Transportation Authority garage.
