Mission Statement
Our Mission
Did you know more than 70 percent of the earth's surface is covered by water? That means our oceans, rivers, lakes and streams are critically important to the overall health of our planet. The Oklahoma Aquarium is dedicated to the mission, "To educate and inspire conservation of our aquatic world through interactive discovery."
The Oklahoma Aquarium is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit, so all money collected through admission, memberships and events goes directly to supporting our exhibits and educational programs.
History
The Oklahoma Aquarium opened its doors to the public on May 28, 2003, but the facility became a dream and a passion for founders Dr. P.R. Ramey and Doug Kemper in 1984. From an idea literally drawn on a napkin, the Oklahoma Aquarium weathered many trials through building support and fundraising until the vision of Jenks city leaders led the Oklahoma Aquarium Foundation to settle on a plot of land on the west bank of the Arkansas River.
Description
The Aquarium houses a variety of marine and aquatic animals. Through your experiences with these exhibits, you will better understand how people fit into the aquatic equation. Over 200 exhibits are housed in the Oklahoma Aquarium, and contain several thousand animals from around the world.
Amazing Invertebrates
Exploring the Aquarium begins with Amazing Invertebrates sponsored by The Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation. Sponges, barnacles, sea stars and urchins. These are just some of the different animals showing how varied aquatic life can be.
Extreme Fishes
Fish that breathe air? Or can see both above and below the water? These are just a couple of extreme characteristics found in Extreme Fishes. This gallery shows how fish change or adapt to increase their chances for survival. Don’t miss Extreme Amazon, presented by AEP-PSO, which allows kids to crawl under the water’s surface through a set of tunnels.
Aquatic Oklahoma
What are you swimming with in Oklahoma lakes and rivers? Some of the most bizarre creatures are swimming in Aquatic Oklahoma, supported by The Oxley Foundation and ONEOK. See a more than 120-year-old alligator snapping turtle, the unusual pre-historic paddlefish, and the huge alligator gar. You will never look at Oklahoma lakes and rivers the same way again!
Hayes Family Ozark Stream
Transport yourself to the banks of a northeastern Oklahoma stream with our first mammals, river otters, beavers and raccoons plus sunfish, smallmouth bass and many other fish found in this native Oklahoma habitat.
Cool off by the crashing waterfall in the Ozark Stream
EcoZone & Coral Reef
Entering the EcoZone is walking into a whirlwind tour of the world’s waters. Rocky coasts, kelp forests and marsh habitats are found in the EcoZone along with the popular stingray feed and touch tanks. Also found in the EcoZone is the Coral Reef, a dramatic collection of Caribbean fish including the colorful parrot fish, porcupine puffers, eels and many more.
The Coral Reef features hundreds of colorful fish
Ray & Robin Siegfried Families Shark Adventure
When you reach the Ray & Robin Siegfried Families Shark Adventure ,you’ll be surrounded by one of the most unique and impressive shark collections in the world. The walk-through tunnel and dome allows you to see the largest bull sharks in captivity swimming alongside you and even right over your head! Watch our Events Calendar for special days when Premier Shark Feed Tours are offered, to see our sharks literally come up for a bite!
The Shark Adventure during feeding time
Marvels and Mysteries
Some of the strangest but most beautiful fish can be found in Marvels and Mysteries,sponsored by the Tulsa World. See delicate seahorses, graceful jellyfish and piranhas. Be sure to watch for the "eelectrifying" light show when the electric eel is searching for food. You will leave the Aquarium knowing more about the many mysteries of our oceans, lakes, rivers and streams. And we promise, you’ll see something new every time you visit.
The Cox Shark View Room Set Up for an After-Hours Event
In addition to our live exhibits, the Aquarium is also home to the Great Hall and other space available for after-hours events, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation regional headquarters, and the Zebco Casting Pond.
