Mammals Make Their Way To Aquarium

After 18 months in the making, seven mammals now reside at The Oklahoma Aquarium.

The Hayes Family Ozark Stream opened on Thursday. 

"This is a unique exhibit because it allows the visitors to see the animals' right up close. As you saw the otters swim in shallow water this close to your nose so you really get to see them. The same with the raccoons and the beavers," said Teri Bowers, Oklahoma Aquarium.

The Oklahoma Aquarium wants to send an environmental message to visitors of just how important preserving the Ozark region of Oklahoma really is.

"This is all Oklahoma based and it really explains why it's so important to protect a healthy stream environment and also all of the wild life that live along the stream banks and in the streams," said Bowers.

If you frequent the Oklahoma Aquarium you might remember that this is where the beavers were located, now there are helpful footprints leading you right to their new beaver lodge.

Now beavers, raccoons and playful river otters live in this state of the art exhibit.

The beavers like to hang out in the comfort of their lodge.

In the center of the room is a plunge pool designed to simulate a natural flowing stream is filled with native Oklahoma fish.

Over 1,000 gallons of water flows per minute through the display and mimics a fresh healthy stream ideal for the residents.

Aquarium biologists had the environment in mind while creating the exhibit as well. All of banks of the exhibit are made from Styrofoam commonly used to float boat docks that they were able to salvage from the landfill.

The next time you're at the Oklahoma Aquarium you should follow the footprints to the Hayes Family Ozark Stream exhibit, it's an experience you won't want to miss.