Discover the Worlds of Wonder in Springfield MO: An Entertainment News Deep Dive

The museum guides visitors through stunning wildlife galleries showcasing an unparalleled collection of record-setting game animals. Following this, a vast 1.5 million-gallon aquarium adventure awaits, teeming with 35,000 live fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds. Morris expressed pride in the accuracy and dedication involved, noting, “Our conservation partners have spent literally hours and literally years studying these habitats to share them accurately and I’m very proud of them.” This commitment to authenticity enhances the visitor experience, bringing them eye-to-eye with incredible species from around the globe. Understanding the search intent behind queries like world of wonder aquarium springfield mo reveals a strong interest in the aquatic aspects of this impressive facility.

Bison under northern lights exhibit at Wonders of Wildlife Museum and Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri

A Grand Opening Event for Wonders of Wildlife

The official grand opening of the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium in September 2017 was a historic event, attended by notable figures including former U.S. Presidents Jimmy Carter and George W. Bush, alongside various dignitaries and conservationists. This level of attendance underscored the national significance of the attraction and its mission.

Former President George W. Bush shared enthusiastic remarks during the ceremony, highlighting the importance of conservation education. “Laura sends her best and I can’t wait to tell her how cool this place is,” Bush commented. “This is the story of America’s future. I value Johnny for promoting the idea of being a good steward of God’s creation and I applaud you for your willingness to educate a group of youngsters coming up about how vital the outdoors is to our nation’s future.”

A statement from the late former President George H.W. Bush, a long-time friend of Johnny Morris, was also read, emphasizing the museum’s lasting impact. “What my friend, Johnny Morris, has created with this museum is a treasured gift to America and our proud outdoor heritage,” his statement read. “What excites me the most is the impact I know this facility will have on our young people.” The presence and endorsements from these figures cemented Wonders of Wildlife’s role as a significant educational and conservation institution, making it a compelling subject for Shocknaue Entertainment News due to its high-profile launch.

Wonders of Wildlife staff member guides a visitor through an exhibit in Springfield, MO

Wonders of Wildlife By the Numbers

Key figures include:

• 350,000-square-foot: Total area of the fish and wildlife attraction.
• Over 1.5 miles: Length of trails guiding visitors through the immersive exhibits and displays.
• 1.5 million gallons: Capacity of the world-class aquariums featuring both freshwater and saltwater habitats. This sheer volume underscores the depth and variety of the aquatic experiences offered, a key draw for those interested in the world of wonder aquarium springfield mo aspect.
• 35,000 live animals: Number of fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds representing more than 800 species. This incredible biodiversity allows visitors to encounter wildlife from numerous ecosystems.
• Over 40 conservation organizations: Number of leading organizations that contributed to the creation and content of Wonders of Wildlife, highlighting the collaborative effort behind its conservation mission.

Vibrant aquariums allow visitors unique perspectives, such as being surrounded by piranhas, touching a stingray, traversing underwater tunnels, and exploring simulated ocean depths among sharks.

Massive whale model suspended over the Wonders of Wildlife Aquarium display in Springfield, Missouri

Must-See Highlights

Wonders of Wildlife boasts several signature exhibits that stand out:

• Great Oceans Hall: This exhibit brings the ocean’s grandeur to landlocked Missouri. Visitors can see historic fishing boats once owned by legends like Ernest Hemingway before stepping into a 300,000-gallon circular “open ocean” habitat filled with diverse marine life, including sharks, rays, and sea turtles.
• Shipwreck Reef: Explore a submerged shipwreck transformed into a vibrant reef ecosystem, home to eels, goliath groupers, lobsters, and other colorful creatures.
• The Great African Hall: A dramatic and immersive representation of the African savannah, featuring lifelike dioramas with elephants, giraffes, rhinos, crocodiles, and zebras. It’s a powerful tribute to African wildlife conservation.
• Sheep Mountain: Displaying Arthur Dubbs’ personal collection of over 40 record-setting sheep mounts from around the world atop simulated rugged cliffs.
• Penguin Cove: A charming habitat for Gentoo penguins, featuring 360-degree “pop-up” bubbles allowing guests to get incredibly close to the active colony.
• Out to Sea Shark Dive: For the truly adventurous seeking unique experiences at the world of wonder aquarium springfield mo, this option allows guests to enter a metal cage underwater using specialized air helmets to come face-to-face with sand tiger sharks, brown sharks, and other large marine species without needing dive certification.

Complimentary Attractions: Bass Pro Shops & Motorsports

Located just outside the main Wonders of Wildlife entrance, within the Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World store, are two additional museums that are free to the public. One is a detailed replica of the original Bass Pro Shops store in Springfield, filled with memorabilia chronicling the company’s history. This provides context for Johnny Morris’s roots and vision. Adjacent to this is a museum dedicated to NASCAR and motorsports, featuring winning race cars and other items celebrating the sport. These free attractions add value to a visit to the area, extending the entertainment options available beyond the main wildlife and aquarium experience.

Replica of the original Bass Pro Shops store inside the museum in Springfield, Missouri

Conclusion

The Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium in Springfield, MO, is a monumental achievement in conservation and entertainment, living up to the public’s interest captured by searches like “worlds of wonder springfield mo.” With its mission to celebrate conservationists and educate future generations, the facility, spearheaded by Johnny Morris, offers a deeply immersive and educational experience. The grand opening event, attended by former U.S. Presidents, highlighted its national importance. Featuring vast aquariums, detailed wildlife exhibits, and impressive statistics on its scale and biodiversity, Wonders of Wildlife stands as a premier destination for anyone interested in the natural world and conservation efforts. The inclusion of complimentary Bass Pro Shops and motorsports museums further enhances the visitor experience in Springfield. For those planning a visit, ticket information and operating hours can be found on the official Wonders of Wildlife website.