Very Sad - Ocean Journey in Colorado to Close!

[mlmoore]

For those of you living in Colorado, I hear Ocean Journey (our one and only aquarium) is to close in 2 weeks. They have had financial difficulty and are in debt a bit of money. I believe they are hoping for a miracle now as the city of Denver has not helped. There are not a lot of aquarium's in the middle of the U.S.

Just sad, thought I'd share that. They have great displays for both the North American watershed (to the Sea of Cortez) and the Southeast Asia watershed. Many salt and fresh water fish, tidal pools, reef aquarium plus sharks and a large variety of salt water fish. If I had an extra 63 million to spare, I'd help them out. I'm hoping for a miracle!

 

[Cracker]

I'd be talking to them to see if they're going to sell their livestock. I'm guessing they'll be auctioning off a lot of stuff if they're in debt.

I feel bad for them, but it could be a good score for some hobbyists.

 

[mlmoore]

Yep, that's a great idea. We checked with them today and they said there will be no sales to the public. I hope they find good homes to all the fish, corals, birds and animals.

 

[scooterr]

damn! I was gonna go back next summer. Too bad. I wonder what they're doing with all the stuff.

 

[coralite1]

My brother from denver called me last night to tell me about it. pretty sad as they have some really nice exhibits including the million something gallon tiger pool w/ thousands of tinfoil barbs. Apparently everyone has seen the aquarium and they are not going back regularly enough. There was probably some financial mismanagement involved there too. I understand that all the materials are going to be distributed to other aquariums. Im sure a good chunk will go to the Georgia aquarium thats gonna be built.

 

[mlmoore]

It's sad to think that no one is coming to the rescue. This is a natural/educational exhibit that many people and children enjoy. Sure, it's not going to be a big money maker (most likely) like the Bronco's or Avalanche Stadiums. Most of the staff at Ocean Journey are volunteers as well (80%I think). I hope that the fish and animals make it ok to their next home - it's going to be difficult for everyone involved.

(

 

[FishGeeek]

Yea, it totally sucks. I doubt that anyone will come to their rescue. 63mill in debt. I hope all goes well with the livestock. We have a couple of member of the local reef club that volunteer there. Maybe they can get there hands on some leftovers.

Brian

[ March 22, 2002: Message edited by: FishGeeek ]</p>

 

[eodjj]

In case anyone wants to see the write up in the NY Times here's the link:Denver Aquarium to Close (NY Times)

 

[srbayless]

Truly Sad.

You wonder who came up with the idea of putting such a venture where tourism centers more around skiing and the Broncos. I mean, if they are counting on over a million visitors a year to keep the place going, they should have done more advertising. I had never heard of the aquarium, and I have freinds who live in the Denver suburbs.

Heck, even the Aquarium of the Pacific out here in California is hurting. If an aquarium in the tourism capital of the world is in the red, you can imagine how bad it is for other ones in more remote locations.

You have to wonder if the developers really did there homework before getting so far in debt. Did they just spend way too much and include displays that they shouldn't have? Having tigers is nice, but how relevant is it to have them in an aquarium?

Again, I am sorry to see any aquarium close. It just sounds like there were not enough feasibility studies conducted to make sure it would be viable venture.

Scott.

 

[JohnD]

I saw that article in the Times also.

I have to agree with Scott - the builders were too optimistic and did not do their homework. It may have been somebody's ego project - lions and all of the other mentioned features. Was that really necesary?

There is certainly too much debt and not enough advertising. I just hope all of the animals find good new homes.

My $.02.

 

[kipreefer]

I remember about 5 years back when i was with my family in Denver we went to Six Flags. I saw the aquarium across the river and always wished to go visit it. Now i guess i never will.

 

[Psyduck]

I went there about 2 yrs ago when I visited Denver, and honestly I was not very impressed for what I paid. You pay the same for Shedd Aquarium in Chicago and that is MUCH better, but it is too bad.

 

[Marcosreef]

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Kipreefer:
<strong>I remember about 5 years back when i was with my family in Denver we went to Six Flags. I saw the aquarium across the river and always wished to go visit it.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Correct me if i'm wrong, I thought the aquarium was 3 years old?

 

[kcinminni]

I am from Denver, but I don't live there any more. I talked to my mom (still lives there) this morning and she said there was an article in the paper today about Ocean Journey filing Chapter 11 and staying open! I'm very excited--I've never been, but am visiting next week and plan to stop in.