What's Up - Your guide to what's happening in Fayetteville, AR this week!
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1072716
8 WHAT'S UP! JANUARY 20-26, 2019 Wildlife wonderful at Springfield aquarium JOCELYN MURPHY NWA Democrat-Gazette T he simplest place to start is by stating that Johnny Morris' Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium is impressive at every turn. The 350,000-square-foot complex in Springfield, Mo., a monumental celebration of nature, was voted "America's No. 1 Best New Attraction" and "America's Best Aquarium" by USA Today in its first year — and a recent visit made it abundantly clear why. On that first visit, my friend and I spent roughly five hours at Wonders of Wildlife, but one more inclined to the hunter or angler way of life could easily stay longer. Education and conservation are front and center, especially in the Wildlife Galleries. Visitors are transported through time from the earliest Native American hunters and gatherers to modern- day wildlife management, as well as around the world with stunning dioramas that immerse guests in lifelike environments from across the globe. Walking within inches of these animals — some re-creations and some record-setting big game specimens — reinforces the awe-inspiring majesty of nature. The galleries are dramatic and extraordinary, and one could easily spend an hour in each diorama inspecting each minute detail. And there were whole pieces of the complex we breezed through because my knowledge about all things fishing is severely lacking. We, however, were there to find out about the Out to Sea Shark Dive experience. In June, WoW unveiled its exciting, and most immersive, chance to actually enter one of the exhibitions and come face-to-face with the marine life — including sharks. On the day of my visit, check-in was made easy and clear by staff when I arrived to pick up my ticket: meet in the lobby 15 minutes before my allotted time and someone would walk me through the steps from the welcome kiosk to the water. Once finished with a brief survey and waiver to ensure safety, the friendly team member escorted me to the preparation area where my friend and I were outfitted with wetsuits and prepared in the changing rooms, isolated from the foot traffic of the rest of the visitors. A brief instructional video walks you through what you need to know and how to stay safe, while also explaining the special SeaTREK air helmets that allow this experience to take place — wherein guests are submerged without needing to have diver certification. While you're sitting watching the video, you're within view of the public meandering through the exhibits, so this is the point when other guests will begin to get curious and will likely gather to watch your descent. Hope you aren't shy! Then there's nothing left to do but wade into the water. The attentive staff members are with you every step as they guide you down the ladder and place the air helmet over your head. The water is cool only at first contact and will rise to just below COVER STORY "The realization that I was underwater, in an exhibition with SHARKS … was overwhelming, exhilarating and very moving for me." — JOCELYN MURPHY