So You Wanna See Sharks in the Mile High City? A Totally Unofficial Guide to the Denver Aquarium's Jawsome Residents
Let's face it, folks, there's something undeniably thrilling about coming face-to-fin with a shark. Maybe it's the streamlined bodies, the rows of pearly whites, or the fact that they've been ruling the oceans for longer than your grandma's been baking cookies (and probably way tastier too). But fear not, landlubbers! You don't need a time machine or a plane ticket to the Bahamas to get your shark fix. The Denver Aquarium has you covered, with a shipwreck exhibit that's more exciting than a pirate treasure hunt (minus the scurvy, hopefully).
What Kind Of Sharks Are At The Denver Aquarium |
They've Got More Than Just Choppers, Dude!
Now, you might be thinking, "Sharks are sharks, right?" Wrong-o! The Denver Aquarium boasts a whole crew of these magnificent creatures, each with their own personality (although, let's be honest, their poker faces are pretty good). Here's a rundown of the underwater all-stars you might encounter:
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- Sand Tiger Sharks: These guys are the OG gangsters of the tank. With permanent toothy grins and stripes that would make a zebra jealous, they're the definition of "don't judge a book by its cover" – because under that tough exterior lies a surprisingly gentle soul.
- Sandbar Sharks: These sleek silver surfers are the Michael Phelps of the shark world. Built for speed, they gracefully patrol the shipwreck, always on the lookout for a tasty snack (don't worry, they prefer fish to fins).
- Zebra Sharks: Not to be confused with their land-dwelling namesakes, these fellas are all about the spots. As juveniles, they rock some serious zebra stripes, but as they mature, they trade them in for a more understated polka-dot look. Talk about a fashion metamorphosis!
- Blacktip Reef Sharks: These little speed demons are the daredevils of the bunch. With black-tipped fins that look like they were dipped in ink, they zip and zag around the tank, keeping things lively.
- Bamboo Sharks: Now these guys are the chill ones of the crew. They're smaller than your average pool noodle, and prefer to spend their days cruising the bottom, snacking on crustaceans and looking adorable (seriously, Google them).
Important Safety Note: While these sharks are undeniably cool, they're still wild animals. Keep your hands and appendages inside the tank at all times. We wouldn't want to upset the delicate balance of the underwater ecosystem (or get anyone wrangled by a grumpy gift shop shark plushie).
QuickTip: Read with curiosity — ask ‘why’ often.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Shark Encounter
- Gear Up for Knowledge: The Denver Aquarium has awesome informational signs about each shark species. Brush up on their fascinating facts – you might impress your friends with how much you know about the sleeping habits of a Sand Tiger shark (nocturnal, FYI).
- Channel Your Inner Jacques Cousteau: Snap some epic underwater pics through the tank (bonus points for dramatic lighting and a determined squint).
- Don't Forget the Gift Shop: What's a trip to the aquarium without a plush shark to commemorate your visit? Just be sure to choose a cuddly friend, not a toothy terror.
Frequently Asked Shark-y Questions:
How to get to the Denver Aquarium? Ahoy there, matey! Set your sails (or hop in your car) for 2300 South Platte River Drive, Denver, CO.
QuickTip: Look for patterns as you read.
How much does it cost to enter the Denver Aquarium? Prices vary depending on age and discounts, but you can find the latest info on their website (
Tip: Reread key phrases to strengthen memory.
How to see the sharks? Head straight for the Shipwreck exhibit – you can't miss it!
How to avoid getting eaten by a shark? Relax, those guys are safely behind glass. But seriously, the Denver Aquarium prioritizes safety, so just follow their guidelines and you'll be a-okay.
How to convince my mom I need a pet shark? This one might be a tough sell. Maybe start with a goldfish and work your way up?