The Mandalay Bay is perhaps the most complete mega resort in Las Vegas, from
wave pools to a slew of clubs, entertainment, restaurants and gambling and much
more. And while one property or another may argue the legitimacy of that claim,
no one can argue that the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay is not the most
amazing aquarium in the state of Nevada. It is enormous and beautiful with a
range of some of the most amazing sea creatures anywhere, including sharks of
course. It is a “total sensory experience” designed to take visitors to an
undersea ocean with some of the most amazing, and often most dangerous sea
creatures in the world. The aquarium takes any who dare enter on a journey
through an ancient temple as it is claimed by the sea.
There are 14 exhibits total, the largest is a 1.3 million gallon shipwreck
where you experience a nearly 360 degree view of sharks and other fish as you
travel through a tunnel of acrylic glass with crystal clear views of the
wildlife. Another popular attraction is the Touch Pool where guests and visitors
can get close and touch a huge collection of wildlife that is constantly
changing including sharks, rays, and horseshoe crabs. There are more than 2,000
animals at the Shark Reef Aquarium across 100 species and 15 different species
of sharks.
Shark Reef Mission Statement
“Shark Reef is dedicated to establishing and maintaining the highest standards
of animal care, to providing its visitors with an entertaining and educational
experience, and to the practice of meaningful research and conservation
initiatives.”
Some of the amazing animals include:
Green Sea Turtle – A gentle giant of a turtle that can live up to 70
years. They are named of the green layer of fat that insulates them and not
their shell.
Black Tip Reef Shark – From the Indo-Pacific ocean, they are named for
the black tips on their fins.
Sand Tiger Shark – Found in shallow waters and around reefs, this sort
of shark has so many teeth that it cannot even close its mouth.
Golden Crocodile – A bit frightening in appearance, these crocs have
60 teeth that fall out and grow back thousands of times throughout their lives.
Komodo Dragon – This is the larges species of lizard in the world,
some of them growing up to 10 feet in length and over 300 pounds.
Lionfish – Its beauty is deceiving. Its brightly colored spines
contain poison that can give an predator quite a surprise.
