The Dallas World Aquarium – Dallas, Texas
An old warehouse at 1801 North Griffin Street, near the Historic West End District in downtown Dallas, became the original site of The Dallas World Aquarium, opening to the public in October 1992. Built in 1924, the empty warehouse had been occupied until 1982. During those years it was used for various industries, including the Mohawk Rubber Company and Pioneer Steel Rule and Die.
The adjacent building at 1815 North Griffin was purchased in 1996. Built in 1929 as a warehouse for the storage of rubber goods, it was later used by a Venetian blind company in the early 50s and prior to the aquarium’s expansion, as a restaurant/bar known as “Tejano Rodeo.” As with the first building, the interior was completely demolished, leaving only the brick walls and support structure. The alley between the two buildings became the “channel” between the freshwater and saltwater ecosystems. The ORINOCO – Secrets of the River opened to the public in October 1997.
The vacant lot at 1814 Laws Street (behind 1801 North Griffin) was purchased in May 2000 for the first newly constructed portion of the facility. Construction on the Mundo Maya exhibit started in April 2002 and opened to the public in August 2004.
The Dallas World Aquarium’s Cloud Forest Trek opened in July 2020. The third-floor rainforest attraction includes a 25’ high and 52’ wide LED screen that extends the exhibit to the clouds of the Columbian rainforests, integrating display technology within live jungle foliage and unique animal exhibits indigenous to South America.
The adventure at The Dallas World Aquarium begins at the top of the rainforest exhibit, where exotic birds, such as Cocks-of-the-rock and many species of toucans, can be seen. Lounging around are Two-toed and Three-toed sloths. Endangered animals, such as Orinoco crocodiles, Giant river otters, Antillean manatees, and several species of monkeys are part of the many conservation projects.
The aquarium portion displays interesting marine life, including Japanese crabs, jellyfish, Leafy, Weedy, and Ribbon seadragons. Black-footed and Blue penguins can be seen swimming as guests enjoy the outdoor South Africa exhibit. Sharks, rays, and sawfish are only a few of the fish living in the Mundo Maya cenote. Safe from Neotropical eagles, are euphonias, tanagers, and hummingbirds. Reptiles and amphibians, both of significance to the Maya culture, can be seen throughout the exhibit.
Described by visitors as more zoo than aquarium, the quaint Dallas World Aquarium provides a unique experience attractive to families. Feel like you’ve entered a real rain forest at the aquarium’s re-creation of the South American Orinoco Rain Forest, home to colorful birds and the only three-toed-sloth exhibit in the US.
The aquarium is also part of a joint initiative between local companies and corporations and the Dallas Public School district. Many of its employees are also full-time students at the School of Business and Management at the Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet High School. This joint venture, as part of a work-study program by the school, emphasizes real-world business techniques and practices to teach the upcoming generation about maintaining and running the day-to-day operations of one of the city’s largest and most well-known attractions.