Animal encounters get you up close to marine life at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium

DRAPER — Utah might be famous for its mountains and deserts, but you can also take a trip under the sea without leaving the valley! From icy penguins to tropical stingrays, animal encounters at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium in Draper are full of surprises that will make you forget you're in the middle of the Beehive State. Make your first stop at the penguin research station, home to the Gentoo penguins. These little guys come from the icy waters of the South Pole, and they're built for speed. Think Olympic-level swimming, up to 22 mph underwater! The aquarium staff said each penguin has its own personality. Some are curious, others are shy, and then there are a few who clearly love being the star of the show. With a habitat kept at a frosty 37 degrees Fahrenheit, they're definitely living a chill life. Once you've cooled off with the penguins, things start to literally heat up in the warmer, tropical side of the aquarium. Here, visitors can roll up their sleeves and meet some new underwater friends. Aquarium staff said the stingray pool is one of the most popular exhibits. The aquarium said these marine life interactions help spark curiosity and connection, especially for kids seeing these animals up close for the first time. The Loveland Living Planet Aquarium is packed with cool exhibits that will take you around the world, no passport required. From the icy chill of Antarctica to the warm waters of the tropics, you can see it all right here in Utah.

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