Did you know that a hippopotamus weighs more than 3,000 pounds?More on that in a minute. But first, lets backtrack a bit.
Like many others we visited the New Jersey State Aquarium when it first opened in Camden way back in 1992.
And then, except for a couple of brief visits for special events, we didn't return.
Yes, we did attend a New Years Eve party at the aquarium when 1999 turned to 2000 but we didn't really have any reason to return.
Then, a few years back, ownership of the aquarium was transferred from the nonprofit New Jersey Academy for Aquatic Sciences to Ohio developer Steiner & Associates. Steiner also operates the highly successful Newport Aquarium in Newport, Kentucky.
The Adventure Aquarium reopened after an investment of $53-million, raised by a combination of private investment and public grants, and nine months of renovation of the old building and the addition of a new wing which doubles the exhibit space.
The additions include not only a new name, but a new entrance along the waterfront, a new café with plenty of seating, retail space, and five major exhibits.
The Adventure Aquarium reopened after an investment of $53-million, raised by a combination of private investment and public grants, and nine months of renovation of the old building and the addition of a new wing which doubles the exhibit space.
The additions include not only a new name, but a new entrance along the waterfront, a new café with plenty of seating, retail space, and five major exhibits.
But we still didn't get around to visiting - until last week.
And now that we've seen Adventure Aquarium all we can say is "Wow! It's great fun."
The seals are delightful. The penguins are charming. The sharks are menacing. The jellyfish are beguiling. And the hippos are, well - hippos! Yet, they still seem so gentle and friendly.
There is so much to see and do here: the West African River Experience, the Jules Verne Gallery, Irazu Falls, the Rainforest Rendezvous, Penguin Island, Caribbean Currents, the Ocean Realm, even a 4D theater based on the landmark television event, Planet Earth 4D.
Everything is themed, well-organized and enticing.
Adventure Aquarium stresses hands-on, interactive experiences and live shows so there is something to discover at every turn along with special presentations throughout the day.
It's a super attraction not just for children but for everyone.
You'll also enjoy the Feeding Frenzy Cafe and the wonderful views of the Delaware River and the Philadelphia skyline.
Adventure Aquarium is aptly named. And it's a place where the adventure continues and constantly grows and changes so that you can come back again and again.
Now that we've [re]discovered the aquarium, we'll definitely be back!
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