The Florida Aquarium ranked among top 10 best aquariums in the nation, USA Today survey reveals
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The Florida Aquarium has claimed a spot for the fourth consecutive year as one of the top 10 aquariums in the nation, according to USA Today’s 2024 Reader’s Choice Award.
“The Florida Aquarium is a true Tampa gem and a leader in our region’s cultural and conservation efforts,” Tampa’s Mayor Jane Castor said. “The Aquarium’s commitment to excellence and innovation ensures that its best chapters are still ahead, and this recognition is a testament to the exciting future that lies ahead for both the Aquarium and our city.”
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In a press release, the aquarium said this is their second consecutive year ranked as No. 8 in the nation, the fourth consecutive year, and the sixth time overall being ranked in the top 10.
USA Today highlighted the 8,000 plants and animal displays, along with the wide range of regional and international animals. The Florida Aquarium also features 600 species, and nearly 20,000 animals, along with new encounters including a free-flying bird show and a stingray feeding experience.
The Florida Aquarium The Florida Aquarium The Florida Aquarium The Florida Aquarium The Florida Aquarium The Florida Aquarium The Swim With the Fishes, Swim With the Sharks and Dive With the Sharks Experiences at The Florida Aquarium in Tampa, Florida. Matt Marriott/The Florida Aquarium The Florida Aquarium The Florida Aquarium
The top 20 aquariums were selected by a panel of experts and the top 10 of those chosen 20 were voted on by the organization’s readers to compile the best high-quality exhibits and visitor experiences in the nation.
Here’s how the top 10 ranked:
10. Georgia Aquarium- Atlanta, Georgia
9. Mystic Aquarium- Mystic, Connecticut
8. The Florida Aquarium- Tampa, Florida
7. Maui Ocean Center, The Aquarium of Hawaii- Wailuku, Hawaii
6. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies- Gatlinburg, Tennessee
5. Texas State Aquarium- Corpus Christi, Texas
4. Adventure Aquarium- Camden, New Jersey
3. Tennessee Aquarium- Chattanooga, Tennessee
2. Audubon Aquarium- New Orleans, Louisiana
1. Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium- Springfield, Missouri
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“Our city and region are second to none and deserve a world-class Aquarium that our community and state can be proud of. To receive this prestigious recognition based on our community’s overwhelming support is both humbling and an honor,” Roger Germann, President & CEO of The Florida Aquarium said.
The Florida Aquarium is undergoing a $45 million expansion, filled with new exhibits, animals, and visitor experiences.
In 2023, the aquarium welcomed more than a million visitors for the first time in its 28-year history, bringing in nearly $275 million to Tampa’s economy.
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