Sandy aquarium adds South American exhibit

SANDY — The Living Planet Aquarium is in the process of adding a 7,000-square-foot exhibit expansion called "Journey to South America."

The addition will open in February 2009 and will include animals such as piranhas, an Amazon catfish, poison arrow frogs, electric eels and an alligator. There will be up to 40 new species, said aquarium spokeswoman Gina Roberts.

Located in a remodeled grocery store, the aquarium already is home to a 9-foot Anaconda, piranhas and freshwater stingrays.

The nonprofit organization hosts thousands of visitors each year, ranging from the elderly to schoolchildren and their families. It also sends caretakers to schools for aquatic assemblies.

For more information, visit thelivingplanet.com or call 801-355-3474.