Loveland Living Planet Aquarium now the 5th largest aquarium in the nation
Feb 10, 2026, 10:43 AM
A leopard at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium. (Loveland Living Planet Aquarium)
(Loveland Living Planet Aquarium)
SALT LAKE CITY — The Loveland Living Planet Aquarium in Draper is set to open a new building on Feb. 20, making it the fifth largest aquarium in the nation, according to the aquarium.
The aquarium said the new building, called the Sam & Aline Skaggs Science Learning Center, will have three new areas for the public to experience.
“The Sam & Aline Skaggs Science Learning Center represents far more than an expansion of our space,” Brent Andersen, founder and CEO of Loveland Living Planet Aquarium said. “With this new building, we’ll be able to reach more students, inspire deeper connections to our living planet, and strengthen our impact in our community. I’m incredibly proud of what our team has accomplished together. I’m excited to see the impact this space will have on every visitor who comes through its doors.”
In the Ford Expedition Asia area, the public will be able to see animals like a Komodo Dragon, two Asian Small-Clawed otters, a Matschie’s Tree-Kangaroo and a Coconut Crab.
“(This area is) designed to fully immerse visitors in an Asian Cloud Forest, the space features towering trees and ancient temple ruins woven into the landscape,” the aquarium said. “Beyond animal habitats, the area also includes an interactive play zone where children can climb through the forest canopy and experience the treetops right alongside our Tree Kangaroo.”
The Mountain America Event Center area is a 15,000 square feet venue meant for hosting up to 2,000 guests.
Lastly, the Education Hub area is meant to teach kids and higher education students about marine science.
“This dynamic learning hub features 14 state-of-the-art classrooms and advanced laboratories designed to support innovative, STEAM-focused programming,” the aquarium said. “The space will host a wide range of experiences, including camps, field trips, research collaborations, and more. While it serves school-age learners, it also supports higher education through partnerships with Utah State University and other institutions across Utah, opening the door to hands-on research and real-world experience for marine science students right here in the desert.”
This story may be updated as more information becomes available.
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