The Michigan Science Center Brings A Touch Of The Tropics To Detroit With Its New Hands On Exhibit

DETROIT, June 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Michigan Science Center (MiSci) is excited to announce the grand opening of its new fun and interactive exhibit, "Stingray Cove" and the premiere of the IMAX^® movie, "Journey to the South Pacific." From June 21 to Aug. 31, 2014, museum guests will explore the tropics and learn about the amazing sea creatures that live in and around coral reefs.

Upon entering the hands-on exhibit, visitors will encounter three saltwater touch tanks filled with sea creatures such as starfish, shrimp, crabs, sea anemones and more. A fourth freshwater touch tank will give visitors the rare chance to interact with baby freshwater stingrays from the Amazon River.  A highlight of "Stingray Cove" will be the 300 gallon freshwater tank giving patrons the chance to gaze at 24-inch Motoro stingrays, Pacu fish, Mono fish and South American catfish, among other interesting sea life.

"Stingray Cove" was designed by MiSci to complement "Journey to the South Pacific" and to provide patrons with a deeper understanding of coral reefs, where they are located, how they benefit the earth and what humans can do to help preserve them. As part of the exhibit, visitors will have the chance to create a take-home book about coral reefs and to make their own fossils.

"It is always a wonderful experience when we can create an exhibit in combination with a new film; we find that people are more engaged when you combine the two elements," said Dr. Tonya Matthews, president and CEO of the Michigan Science Center. "We are excited to explore this new territory with our visitors who will surely be inspired to learn more about marine ecosystems and how they are impacted by the world we live in."

The exhibit was made possible by MiSci's partnership with Lou's Pet Shop of Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan. Lou's Pet Shop helped to set up the exhibit and supplied all of the sea life, will be providing continued maintenance and care throughout the exhibit's run and provided additional financial support to make this a memorable experience for all museum guests.

"We are thrilled to be partnering with MiSci in order to create this unique experience. The exhibit really brings the film to life by giving movie goers a chance to engage with the creatures they see up on the screen," said Donnie Cook, owner of Lou's Pet Shop. "My hope is that people will walk away from 'Stingray Cove' with a greater appreciation for coral reefs and how important they are to our planet."

Thanks to the generosity of Detroit Public Schools and the Detroit Children's Museum, the exhibit will also feature cases of coral reef artifacts, including a mounted Marlin and Hammerhead Shark. Some of these artifacts will be available for closer inspection on tables set up throughout the exhibit. Kids also will have a great time building sand castles as part of the exhibit experience.

A visit to "Stingray Cove" is not complete without a trip to the new IMAX film "Journey to the South Pacific." This film takes movie goers on an expedition to one of the most diverse marine ecosystems on earth, Bird's Head Seascape, Indonesia. Audiences will follow Jawi, a young island boy, as he explores this exotic undersea wonderland. Narrated by Cate Blanchett, "Journey to the South Pacific" is a magnificent and inspiring story about the planet.

Admission packages, including general admission to the Science Center, admission to "Stingray Cove" and a ticket to "Journey to the South Pacific," are available at $19 for adults and $16 for children.

Editor's Note: Photos are available upon request.

About the Michigan Science Center
The Michigan Science Center is a hands-on museum that inspires children and their families to discover, explore and appreciate science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in a creative, dynamic learning environment. The Science Center features five theaters, including Michigan's largest screen at the Chrysler IMAX® Dome Theatre; the Dassault Systemes Planetarium; the Toyota Engineering Theater; the DTE Energy Sparks Theater; the Chrysler Science Stage; a 9,800 square-foot Traveling Science Hall for special exhibits; hands-on exhibit galleries focusing on space, life and physical science; Kids Town just for pint-size scientists; along with, education and outreach programs.

For more information, please call 313.577.8400 or visit the website, www.Mi-Sci.org 

About Lou's Pet Shop
Lou's Pet Shop in Grosse Pointe Woods is as much of a zoological attraction as it is a pet shop. It is a quirky business established in 1970, with the continuing goal of developing and participating in community outreach programs and offering exceptional animals and products. Utilizing its resources over the past 40 years, it has forged great relationships with some of the best suppliers and breeders the industry has to offer. With a Zoological license the pet shop is qualified to produce and sell exotic species. The strength of Lou's Pet Shop is customer service excellence and having a passionate team with detailed knowledge in every category; taking pride in everything from animal nutrition to breeding program development. For more information, visit www.louspetshop.com.

SOURCE Michigan Science Center