World’s Largest Wildlife Museum Opens

After nearly a decade in the making, Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium opened its doors this fall in Springfield, Mo., the largest museum of its kind in the United States.

Larger than the Smithsonian, the 350,000-square-foot museum features 35,000 live fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds, representing more than 800 species, visible via 1.5 miles of immersive trails and exhibits.

A tribute to the conservationist movement, the museum is the result of collaboration with Johnny Morris, founder and CEO, Bass Pro Shops, along with other conservation leaders. Morris created the not-for-profit museum to inspire guests to engage with the natural world and educate the public on conservation efforts.

“Wonders of Wildlife has the opportunity, like no other attraction before it, to have a positive national impact on wildlife and conservation,” said Colin O’Mara, president and CEO, National Wildlife Federation, a key partner organization. “Johnny’s investment in this not-for-profit facility through the Johnny Morris Foundation will establish one of the most valuable and respected conservation and education centers in the world.”

The interactive museum boasts 1.5 million gallons of world-class aquarium experiences, including a river full of piranha and an underwater tunnel showcasing sharks, jellyfish, snakes, iguanas, owls and more.