Hear more about the expansion from CEO Roger Germann in the podcast linked below.
TAMPA -- For the first time, California sea lions are coming to Florida's west coast.
The Florida Aquarium is planning a new outdoor sea lion habitat as part of a $40 million expansion, its first since opening in 1995. Three separate, interconnected sea lion spaces will include two habitats, a presentation space and a bubble viewing window.
Its expansion also includes a significantly more prominent African penguin habitat. An architectural design firm that has worked with Shedd Aquarium in Chicago and aquariums and zoos in Dallas, Kansas City, and New Zealand.
This expansion is planned in three phases, between 2023 and 2025. It includes a rotating special exhibit gallery and a conversion of the second floor lobby into a multi-species gallery featuring puffins.
The aquarium says fundraising is underway for the expansion.
Hear more about the expansion from CEO Roger Germann in the podcast linked below.
Photo: Florida Aquarium/Canva