Page 55 - South Mississippi Living - July, 2023

hanging
CAquarium’s Animal Ambassadors, Tito, a two-toed sloth, and Pelé, a three-banded armadillo. Before their new habitats are completed, Tito, Pelé and many of the other wildlife included in the Rainforest exhibit are only seen during scheduled visits. The permanent habitat installations will provide more opportunities to
meet and learn about these interesting creatures.
The final destination on this journey
will take you into a tropical paradise set among coral reefs, which are home to twenty-five percent of all marine species. The brightly colored Coral Reef biome will feature marine life found in the warmer waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans as well as the Caribbean and
Gulf of Mexico. Stingray silhouettes flying above will guide you past colorful species like the Picasso trigger which looks like it jumped out of one of the artist’s paintings and recognizable species like the clownfish often referred to as Nemo by fans of the popular Disney film. A series
of tunnels will allow you to climb in and around the habitats to mimic the path of sea life through the coral.
Along with marine and wildlife housed in Changing Tides, the expansion will feature some remarkable technology. Inside the Kelp Forest will be the first Amazon Go along the Gulf Coast and the first in the southeastern United
States which use their “just walk-out technology.” Once you create an Amazon Go account, you will simply scan your phone at the snack shop entrance, pick out your desired item and walk out.
You will be able to select your favorite bottled drink, snacks like candy and chips, and even hot or cold sandwiches. The Amazon Go app will keep track of everything and charge your card when you exit the area. The Coral Reef will be home to Breeze Creative’s Draw Alive where your personalized fish drawing comes to life. After you color your aquatic-themed outline, it will be projected onto a nearby wall where it
becomes animated and swims by with the other sea creatures.
Mississippi Aquarium is one of the newest aquariums in the country, having opened in August 2020. The six-acre complex incorporates both indoor and outdoor habitats with more than 200 species of animals and 50 species of native plants. Notable features at the state’s aquarium include one of only a few 360-degree tunnels in the United States which passes through a 310,000-gallon habit and a giant floor-to-ceiling viewing window immersing you in its tranquility as marine life glides past.
Mississippi Aquarium is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For the best possible admission price, purchase tickets at least 24 hours before your visit on the website at www.mississippiaquarium.org. You can upgrade the experience with
one of several add-ons such as a dolphin encounter, behind-the-scenes tour, or SeaTREK® an underwater experience like no other.
SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living | www.smliving.net
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