zoOceanarium, specialists in a new generation of aquarium and zoological facilities, has announced that it has taken on the operation of the historic Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park, which will re-open to the public on 24 September 2021.
Previously, the attraction was managed by the Dallas Zoo, including using the recent period of closure due to the pandemic. It will reopen on the same day as The State Fair of Texas at Fair Park, where it is located.
New exhibits to come
zoOceanarium Group will now employ the Dallas Zoo staff members who have been caring for the Aquarium’s animals, allowing them to continue using their expertise. In addition, local hiring events will take place before the attraction opens, with open positions including Aquarium Curator, Guest Experience Managers, Guest Experience Supervisors, Aquarists and Guest Experience Associates. Applicants may send their resumes by email.
New exhibits and animals are planned for the Aquarium. For instance, visitors will be able to get hands-on with Doctor Fish (Red Garra) through an interactive touch tank and see how Archer Fish spit at their food to knock it into the water. Other highlights will be glow-in-the-dark Swell Sharks, Sea Dragons and all-new hight tech experiences.
“We’re excited to welcome zoOceanarium Group as the first new year-round tenant at Fair Park in over 20 years,” says Fair Park First Executive Director Brian Luallen. “zoOceanarium’s track record of creating educational and memorable experiences aligns with our goal to activate the campus with new experiences 365 days a year.”
“We are pleased to complete a seamless and successful operations transition and to now pass the baton for the Aquarium on to the zoOceanarium Group,” says Gregg Hudson, President and CEO of the Dallas Zoo. “It has been the Zoo’s privilege to be stewards of the Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park for a very long time, and we look forward to seeing this Fair Park landmark thrive under zoOceanarium’s leadership.”
A great opportunity
“It’s great to have this opportunity to build on the successes Dallas Zoo has had with the Aquarium and we are honored that the City has selected us for this unique opportunity,” says Chris Davis, managing partner of zoOceanarium Group.
“We are going to create the kind of hands-on, hands-wet experience that zoOceanarium Group does best and our team is looking forward to working with the City, Fair Park and the community to reach the full potential of the Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park. This is an attraction that will continue to be a significant community resource as a place for family, for inspiring care for the environment and for just having fun. This aquarium will bring out the inner child in all of us.”
The Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park first opened in 1936, as part of the Texas Centennial Exposition, and is the oldest such attraction in the state.
Last year, blooloop spoke to the St. Louis Union Station entertainment destination about how to reopen safely in the wake of COVID. Within this destination, zoOceanarium Group operates the St. Louis Aquarium, Ropes Course and Mirror Maze.
