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The Medicine Park Aquarium & Natural Sciences Center celebrates its fourth anniversary on Thursday.
While stocks last, free goody bags will be available and all visitors will have the opportunity to sign up for a prize package. The Animal Ambassadors will attend the celebration from 12pm to 2pm for a special interactive experience.
The first phase of the aquarium opened in 2017 and included the McMahon Foundation’s Fresh Waters & Fishes of Oklahoma Galleries – a 10,000-square-foot aquarium building with nearly 100 water exhibits and the Terry K. Bell Memorial Trust Trust’s Southwest Oklahoma Wildflower & Butterfly Conservation – one six hectares of native plant and wildflower exhibition.
“We are continuing to make great strides on Phase II of our master plan by adding exhibits for the local wildlife zoo. We now have exhibits for bobcats and the beloved Moriah, the coyote who once lived at the Fort Sill base, both sponsored by the Dollar-Janosko family in honor of Carolyn Dollar. We have a total of nine outdoor animal shows, and hopefully more will be on the way by the end of this year. Our Education Department’s Wildlife Discovery Program continues to thrive with our lovable Ambassadors June, the Possum, Rocket, the Raccoon, Lemon, the Speckled King’s Snake and of course Frankie the African Spurred Thigh Turtle, among others, “said Doug Kemper, Executive Director.
The interactive critter chats and feeding shows are a big part of the experience. Visitors can watch the “shocking” electric eel show as they nibble on shrimp and interact with animal ambassadors such as June the opossum, Lola the South American boa constrictor, Lemon the speckled king snake, and Rocket the raccoon. There has been plenty of rain this year and the Terry K. Bell Wildflower and Butterfly Garden is in full bloom.
“Like many companies, COVID has been a challenge, but we’ve successfully kept our people and animals through the process,” said deputy director Rainette Rowland. “This community has really embraced us and continues to provide support when it is needed. Last year was a great reminder of how many friends we have and we really can’t express how grateful we are. “
The Medicine Park Aquarium & Natural Sciences Center is open daily (excluding Christmas and Thanksgiving) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can find admission prices, the enrichment plan and further information at mpmns.org.
