Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay
| Date opened | 2000 |
|---|---|
| Location | Las Vegas, Nevada, Nevada, United States |
| Coordinates | 36°05′25″N 115°10′36″W / 36.0903327°N 115.1765442°WCoordinates: 36°05′25″N 115°10′36″W / 36.0903327°N 115.1765442°W |
| Floor space | 95,000 sq ft (8,800 m2) |
| No. of animals | Over 2,000 |
| No. of species | Over 100 |
| Volume of largest tank | 1,300,000 US gal (4,900,000 l) |
| Total volume of tanks | 1,600,000 US gal (6,100,000 l) |
| Memberships | AZA |
| Website | www |
The Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay is a public aquarium located at and owned by the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Its main tank is 1,300,000 US gallons (4,900,000 l), one of the largest in North America. The facility is 95,000 sq ft (8,800 m2), and displays numerous different species of sharks, rays, fish, reptiles, and marine invertebrates. It also features a shark tunnel. The reef was developed in consultation with the Vancouver Aquarium.
The exhibits opened in 2000. In 2007, it underwent a re-branding campaign adding "Aquarium" to the official name. Shark Reef Aquarium officials stated that the re-branding is intended to present the actual nature of the habitat, as members of the public sometimes confused Shark Reef as a name for a bar, lounge, restaurant, etc.
In 2012, Shark Reef Aquarium replaced the signage and audio-wands of each exhibit with various interactive touch screens throughout the facility.
Members of the Shark Reef staff participate in the "Adopt-a-Cove" program to aid in the clean up of Lake Mead. Within the map and guide handed out at the park, they offer an "In Good Taste" guide that folds up into a business card size pamphlet to promote sustainable seafood choices. The information found within this guide is credited to the Monterey Bay Aquarium Foundation. Throughout the various exhibits, there is signage to educate the audience about the dangers of shark finning, introducing invasive species (like lion fish), and various other harmful practices.
In May 2005, two adult male Devil's Hole pupfish were moved from Devils Hole and two adult females were moved from a refuge at Hoover Dam to the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay in hopes of augmenting the population. These fish are not found on exhibit and can only be seen in the classroom facility during backstage tours.
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