Mandalay Bay Shark Reef

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Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino Announces
Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay; A Total Sensory Immersion Experience

Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay is not your typical aquarium. It is a total sensory experience designed to transport visitors to an undersea ocean of fantastic sights, sounds and encounters. Featuring dangerous and unusual aquatic animals and fish from the world's tropical waters, Shark Reef will take visitors on a journey through an ancient temple that has been slowly claimed by the sea.

"Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay is an adventure of immersion," said Glenn Schaeffer, President of Mandalay Resort Group. "The sensory experience is as if one were in a true temple of antiquity. Best of all, it's real!"

Shark Reef features one of North America's largest displays of sharks and other sea predators. Much more than a conventional aquarium, Shark Reef is a diverse cross-section of magnificent aquatic creatures, including close to 100 different species of sharks, exotic fish, reptiles and turtles.

Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay takes advantage of the latest advances in technology to enhance the aquarium experience. Aquarists in scuba gear conduct their work during the hours Shark Reef is open to the public. Unique information presentation screens that utilize the newest "flat-panel" television technology are used in lieu of standard printed information panels found in most aquariums. These screens sense visitors as they approach and display short informational programs on the animals and fish in the nearby areas.

Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay has been developed in consultation with the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre of Vancouver, Canada. One of the world's most respected marine facilities, the Vancouver Aquarium is accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association and is widely recognized for its pioneering work in animal care, public interpretation and education, and for its work in the area of species conservation. Vancouver Aquarium personnel provide on-site management of Shark Reef operations.

"We are delighted that we are able to help bring this totally unique facility to reality," said John Nightingale, President of Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre.

"The Vancouver Aquarium is renown for innovation and for the best in animal care. Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay contains the best of both -- a totally new kind of experience for visitors, backed-up with the best in technical facilities. We know visitors are in for a most unusual treat for all senses, and the best part -- it's better than simulation -- the animals are all real and alive!"

The project has been developed using advanced scientific knowledge and stringent animal care guidelines and regulations. Shark Reef will immediately begin the process for its own accreditation from the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, the top national organization coordinating oversight and advancement of zoo and aquarium display, animal care and education.

This unique facility was conceived by Mandalay Resort Group working with an international team of aquarium and exhibit designers. Anchored by Las Vegas architectural firm Klai::Juba, the team includes overall development guidance by the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre of Vancouver, Canada; exhibit design by BIOS:Inc. of Seattle; animal life support engineering systems by TA Maranda of Seattle and Desert Plumbing of Las Vegas; animal care criteria by Dr. Dennis Thoney of New York; and advice and consultation of a variety of scientific and technical experts from 5 continents.