An aquarium building campaign will launch fairly shortly, looking for private donations and public funds.

A new chief financial officer and marketing director have been hired to help with the campaign, Carroll said. And, to make sure there are no problems with the new board, the board has all signed the Utah Non-Profit Associations code of ethics — something the former board never wanted to do, Carroll said.

"We feel that the hard part is behind us. From a philosophical point of view, sometimes disasters can actually become opportunities. Our organization is stronger now than ever before, and we have a more diverse and talented board than ever before."

The Living Planet Aquarium has already opened a cafe on-site, is displaying newly hatched trout and has 50 percent of a coral reef exhibit funded — officials are looking for a matching grant of $20,000.

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