Tuesday, Oklahoma Aquarium leaders, Oklahoma Aquarium Foundation leaders, and Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell unveiled a new logo for the aquarium and spoke about the facility's future.

The new logo features a large bull shark. Research Director Dr. Ann Money says this is appropriate because the Oklahoma Aquarium as the largest collection of bull sharks in the world and the only collection in the western hemisphere.

“Our sharks are my most important teaching tool when it comes to conservation and the importance of aquatic life to all life on our planet,” Money said. The bull sharks at the Oklahoma Aquarium are an attraction for visitors, an exciting STEM education entry point for children, and a vital research resource, she said.

Oklahoma Aquarium says its mission is to engage, excite, and educate children and adults about aquatic life.

One way they carry out this mission is through the Fish Friends scholarship fund.

Through this, nearly 20,000 students have been able to experience the aquarium at zero cost this last year according to President Carolina Morris.

The aquarium draws people from across the country ad is part of the vibrant tourism opportunities that make northeast Oklahoma a destination for both families and companies.

“This is your aquarium, Oklahoma. It may be located here in Jenks, but its impact is so much bigger,” Pinnell said.

Both Pinnell and Money shared that the aquarium will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2023, and that big things can be expected in the future to keep the aquarium a world-class facility.

“I’m excited to be a part of all the things that are coming for the aquarium,” Pinnell said.

Two of the new things happening at the aquarium in the future will include a jellyfish exhibit featuring a jellyfish touch tank, which is expected to open after the new year, along with work on a major overheal and renovation of the aquarium's largest exhibit, "Aquatic Oklahoma" will begin.