The first marine animals have arrived at Sea Life Florida at Legoland Florida Resort in Winter Haven as the aquarium prepares for its grand opening June 6.
The resort posted images of a reef shark imported from Germany, now residing in its main oceanarium, called a Theme Park Under the Sea. The new residents include clownfish, cownose stingrays and unicorn tangs, Legoland Florida said in a news release.
A blacktip reef shark is shown in the main oceanarium at Sea Life Florida at Legoland Florida Resort. The first marine animals have arrived at the aquarium, scheduled to open June 6.
“This moment marks the shift from construction site to conservation site,” Sarah McMahon, curator at Sea Life Florida, said in the release. “From building walls to building connections between people and the ocean. Every fish, ray, and shark that arrives is a chance to spark curiosity and inspire care for our planet.”
Sea Life Florida will have more than 25 interactive exhibits, including a stingray bay, hands-on rockpools, and 10 underwater-themed galleries. The aquarium will be fully ADA accessible, and Sea Life Florida aspires to earn a designation as a Certified Autism Center, a resort-wide initiative, the release said.
An aquarist releases fish into a tank at Sea Life Florida at Legoland Florida Resort. The first marine animals have arrived at the aquarium, scheduled to open June 6.
Annual passholders will be given exclusive early access on May 23, ahead of the official grand opening.
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Marine animals arrive as Sea Life Florida plans June 6 opening