ABQ BioPark Aquarium, Albuquerque

Located in Albuquerque, the ABQ BioPark Aquarium is part of the Albuquerque Biological Park and situated adjacent to the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden. It showcases Gulf of Mexico and South Pacific saltwater species from various habitats such as surf zone, shallow waters, coral reefs, open oceans, and deep oceans. The aquarium's main attraction is a 285,000 U.S. gallon (1,080,000 liter) shark tank with a 38-foot (12 meters)-wide, 9-foot (2.7 meters)-high, 8-inch (200 mm)-thick acrylic viewing window.

The museum's entrance features freshwater tanks displaying fish from the Rio Grande, both past and present. Visitors can also view several exhibits in the Gulf of Mexico Coast Gallery, a North American River Otter exhibit, and a replica of a coral reef that houses parrotfish, angelfish, grunts, porcupinefish, triggerfish, and other species. The aquarium also displays "oddities" such as clownfish, seahorses, pipefish, jellyfish, hagfish, cuttlefish, and nautilus in small tanks.

The final exhibit is the shark tank, which displays six species of sharks, tarpon, barracudas, stingrays, schooling fish, moray eels, and three species of sea turtles. Divers enter the tank daily to feed and clean. The aquarium also has a restaurant and gift shop on site.

The aquarium has recorded several significant events such as the first-ever recorded birth of blacktip shark pups in captivity in January 2008. The aquarium's mission is to educate the public about ocean life, and they hold events year-round, including sleepovers, "Shark Week," camps for children, and celebrations for World Oceans Day and Earth Day. Albuquerque Biological Park is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

Why You Should Visit:
Easy to navigate and with lots of interactive opportunities (especially for kids), plus very friendly staff.
The restaurant at the shark tank is fun and fascinating – feels like you're in the sea.
A good representation of Pacific life and local aquatic life.

Tip:
The combo ticket is worth the price if you get to either the Zoo or Aquarium at opening time and immediately head to the other site first. They are over 2 miles apart from each other and if you ride the train, please check the train schedule first to plan your day!