 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
Why Have an Aquarium in a
Desert?
Where else in the world is water so valued and respected? It’s a precious
resource that defines how we live in Utah. Because we’re not surrounded
by oceans and immense water habitats, we have fewer opportunities to experience,
understand and appreciate the water environments that cover more than 70
percent of our planet. The Living Planet Aquarium brings animals to people
who might not have the chance to see them or their water-based ecosystems
in a natural setting.
Our children are the future custodians of the environment. Yet, the majority
of today’s young people don’t have the opportunity to understand
the ocean nor their own water-dependent environments. The Living Planet Aquarium
provides a “living classroom,” educating us all about our interdependence
on the living planet’s fragile ecosystems.
The Living Planet Aquarium is dedicated to celebrating life on Earth by fostering a greater awareness and knowledge of Earth’s diverse ecosystems and creating a deeper understanding of our place in the global system of life.
The Living Planet Aquarium is committed to providing opportunities
for families to learn about our interdependence with the fragile ecosystems
of our planet through entertaining, interactive educational exhibits and
programs. Having this aquarium provides us with countless opportunities to
understand and respect this precious resource and the living habitats it
supports, both in Utah and in our planet’s oceans.
In The Living Planet Aquarium...
Overview
1998 - Brent V. Andersen, marine biologist, begins developing
vision for a world-class aquarium in Salt Lake.
1999 – Two “aquavans” are outfitted with
educational exhibits and begin visiting Utah schools.
2004 – The Gail Benjamin Preview Exhibit of The Living
Planet Aquarium opens in The Gateway Mall in June.
2006 – To accommodate increasing crowds and expanding
exhibits, a larger Preview Exhibit opens
in Sandy in June. In six years’ time, three vans have visited 237,915
students in 39 school districts.
Today- Over 235,000 people visited The Living Planet Aquarium in 2007! Since 2004, more than half a million visitors have enjoyed the exhibits and its 600 animals from over 125 species. By mid-year 2007, TLPA's outreach education programs have reached 300,000+ school children!
Dear Aquarium Friends,
As we transition to an exciting planning phase in the aquarium’s growth, we are more enthusiastic than ever about the opportunity to continue building with our new team of dedicated trustees.
We joined the Living Planet Aquarium (LPA) Board because we believe in the mission of fostering greater awareness and knowledge of Earth’s diverse ecosystems and creating a deeper understanding of our place in the global system of life; and we believe in the team that is fulfilling that mission. We have enjoyed the aquarium with our families (some of us for several years now) and been impressed with its operation. We consider community involvement as an important way to give back. It thus makes perfect sense for all of us, individually and now collectively, to commit ourselves to supporting the aquarium in several ways, at several levels, as members of the board of trustees.
We’re proud to be associated with this healthy, thriving non-profit organization. The attendance at the aquarium and the numbers of children receiving important educational programming through the LPA Outreach Education curricula grow significantly every year. By 2007 year’s end, nearly 600,000 visitors will have walked through LPA’s doors in 3-1/2 years. Since 1999, our educational and outreach programs will have reached more than 300,000 school children, a true demonstration of the strong support we receive from parents, teachers, sponsors and, of course, the students.
The Living Planet Aquarium has been run with fiscal responsibility and has no outstanding debt, which has been shown nationally to be a major predictor of an aquarium’s success. Furthermore, the excellent management and visionary leadership of founder Brent Andersen, together with a dedicated and talented team, have allowed LPA to flourish. This summer the staff tripled the size of the jellies exhibit and produced a Stewardship and Conservation Exhibit highlighting many endangered or threatened species. LPA is one of the select organizations in Utah with both Federal and State permits to display native endangered species.
The future is bright indeed with tremendous potential. Our new cafe opens in November, and – on the horizon – we plan several new exhibits and programs. Ultimately, we will find a permanent home for the LPA in a facility specifically designed and built to be Utah’s Aquarium. This will only be possible with your continued patronage and generous support.
The entire LPA team, both staff and board, and CEO Brent Andersen are committed to excellence in education, while working actively with community and science partners to create understanding of the critical nature of environmental conservation and stewardship. If you have an interest in becoming more actively involved , we invite you to attend one of our monthly board meetings. Or just come and enjoy the exhibits. We look forward to seeing you soon!
 |
 |
 |
|
| Brad Carroll Chairman Board of Trustees |
Fred Grimmer, MD Member Board of Trustees |
David Pack, PhD Secretary Board of Trustees |
Board of Trustees
Brent Andersen, Founder and CEO
Brad Carroll, Chairman
David Pack, Secretary/Treasurer
J. Fred Grimmer
Reed Harris
Layne Smith
Krissy Wilson
We employees of The Living Planet Aquarium endorse and embrace the mission, vision and future direction of this important educational organization. The Living Planet Aquarium management and staff are proud of the respect earned in the educational, environmental, conservation and museum communities -- for principles, practices and leadership devoted to creating a healthier and more caring “living planet."
Our Staff
Brent V. Andersen
President/Founder
801.495.4448 x 207
brent.a@thelivingplanet.com
Gary W. Christensen, CPA
Chief Financial Officer
801.495.4448 x 204
gary.c@thelivingplanet.com
Katie Sullivan
Marketing Director
801.495.4448 x 203
katie.s@thelivingplanet.com
Andy Allison
Curator of Animals
801-495-4449 ext. 205
andy.a@thelivingplanet.comandy.a@thelivingplanet.com
andy.a@thelivingplanet.com
Gina Roberts
Marketing Intern
801.495.4448 x 214
gina.r@thelivingplanet.com
Tony Layne
Exhibits and Program Manager
801.495.4448 x 210
tony.l@thelivingplanet.com
Matt Jacobsen
Guest Services Manager
801.495.4448 x 202
matt.j@thelivingplanet.com
Steve Martinez
Gift Shop Manager
801.495.4448 x 213
steve.m@thelivingplanet.com
Kelly Steffen
Education and Outreach Manager
801.495-4448 x 209
outreach@thelivingplanet.com
Program Managers
Carolyn Adler
Kira Smedley
Kristen Bonner
Education Presenters
Eleasha Grossman
Doug Mauck
Kira Smedley
Jared Squire
Drew Webb
Sara Freeman
Ashley Kerbs
Michelle Ludking
Kit Wilkinson
Leah Estep
Aquarists II
Evan Jamison
Meghan Kokal
Aquarists I
Maia Davidson
Andrew Lawrence
Rob Hickman
 |
 |
 |
|||||
 |
 |
 |
|
||||
 |
 |
|
|||||
 |
|
||||||
 |
 |
|
|||||
 |
 |
 |
|
||||
 |
|
||||||
 |
|
||||||
 |
|
||||||
 |
|
||||||
 |
|
||||||
 |
|
||||||
 |
 |
|
|||||
 |
|
||||||
 |
|
||||||
 |
|
||||||
 |
|
||||||
 |
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|