Wonders of Wildlife Museum & Aquarium

Infobox zoo
zoo_name=Wonders of Wildlife Museum & Aquarium


image_width=250px
image_caption=Main entrance
date_opened=November 1, 2001
location=Springfield, Missouri, USA
num_species=225
members=AZA
website=http://www.wondersofwildlife.org

The American National Fish and Wildlife Museum doing business as Wonders of Wildlife Museum & Aquarium also known as Wonders of Wildlife Zooquarium or just Wonders of Wildlife in Springfield, Missouri, showcases more than 225 species of live animals, fresh and saltwater aquariums, interactive displays and educational programs. The convert|92000|sqft|m2|sing=on facility, designed by Cambridge Seven Associates, opened on November 2, 2001. [ cite news
title = American National Fish & Wildlife Museum (Wonders of Wildlife)
publisher = Cambridge Seven Associates
url = http://www.c7a.com/Portfolio/aquariums/wonders_of_wildlife.asp
accessdate = 2007-03-06 ]

Inception

Wonders of Wildlife is a result of intensive lobbying campaign and financial support of John Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops. He campaigned and lobbied for the ballot initiative that funded the $52,000,000.00 cost of building the museum and the creation of a "museum district" that allows a special sales tax be collected at Bass Pro Shops and a small shoe store across from Bass Pro Shops to fund the project.Facts|date=March 2007 This project also received $ 1.5 million in federal appropriations. [ cite news
first = Christopher
last = Bond
title = Letter from Senator Bond to Wonders of Wildlife
date = 2001-11-01
publisher = U.S. Senate
url = http://bond.senate.gov/atwork/recordtopic.cfm?id=179385
accessdate = 2007-04-06]

Features

The museum replicates the native Ozark habitat and serves as home to many Missouri wildlife species.

The Community Pond

This area provides visitors with a view of Missouri pond life from underneath. [ cite news
title = New Museum Offers Unique Meeting Space
date = 2001-08-13
publisher = MeetingsNet
url = http://meetingsnet.com/news/meetings_new_museum_offers/
accessdate = 2007-04-06 ]

Meeting facilities

The museum is available for hosting receptions, dances, and parties. It can accommodate 400 people in its upper and lower lobbies. Larger groups can rent the entire facility, and smaller groups can take advantage of the Conservation Library, Out to See Gallery, or Tropical Coast room. [ cite news
title = New Museum Offers Unique Meeting Space
date = 2001-08-13
publisher = MeetingsNet
url = http://meetingsnet.com/news/meetings_new_museum_offers/
accessdate = 2007-04-06 ]

Out to Sea Gallery

The "Out to See" exhibit features a convert|21|ft|m|sing=on deep, 225,000 US gallon aquarium. It houses sharks, rays, and a variety of other tropical fish. [ cite news
first = Bob
last = McEowen
coauthors =
title = Wonders — Wild & Alive
date = 2001-11
publisher = Rural Missouri
url = http://www.ruralmissouri.coop/01pages/NovWOW.html
accessdate = 2007-03-06 ]

Future development

The museum will also house the "Archery Hall of Fame and Museum" and the "Fred Bear Museum". [ cite news
title = Archery Hall of Fame Grant
date = 2004
publisher = Traditional Bowhunter
url = http://www.tradbow.com/interactivetradbow/read.cfm?id=156
accessdate = 2007-04-06 ]

External links

* [http://www.wondersofwildlife.org Museum website]
* [http://www.basspro.com Bass Pro Shops]
* [http://www.msbanet.org/news/news.asp?ID=298 ESGN debuts at Wonders of Wildlife]
* [http://www.missourinet.com/gestalt/go.cfm?objectid=161C7A43-84C3-40E3-B8F057AE8AB47902 Wonders of Wildlife Museum to Get $6.75-Million Gift]

References