Mermaids have captivated imaginations for centuries, and now they’re making a splash in the real world. Whether you’re a Gen X grandma who fell for Daryl Hannah in Splash, a Millennial mom who shared the magic of Halle Bailey’s Ariel with your daughter, or an arthouse film enthusiast still mesmerized by the mysterious amphibian in The Shape of Water, this is your chance to see mermaids come to life. A short-term new experience brings to life the myths and legends of these elusive creatures—offering a fresh and immersive experience for all who have ever been enchanted by the sea.
The Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium has announced a limited engagement mermaid attraction at its Wonders of Wildlife (WOW) National Museum and Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri.
The new meet and greet experience, orchestrated by Wands and Wishes Mermaids, an entertainment company that provides talent and logistics for captivating performances, will take place 9am-3pm on:
- March 20-23
- March 27-30
- April 3-6
WOW members enjoy free admission and general admission ticket holders can upgrade to membership status for added benefits. Included in the general admission price are mermaid underwater viewing and sensory tables as well as mermaid storytime and meet and greets. Visits can be enhanced with digital and print photo packages, mermaid-themed snack and drink selections, mermaid-themed retail items and face painting.
The mermaid meet and greet is not only entertaining but also an engaging opportunity for families to learn more about marine life in a whimsical way. Visitors can already come face to face with penguins and swim with sharks—why not add mermaids into the mix?
Wands and Wishes works with AZA-accredited aquariums, which WOW is a member of, to enhance its commitment to marine education and conservation – which aligns with WOW’’s mission. Mermaids are also clad in sustainable materials and plastic alternatives to keep the tanks free of foreign objects.
WOW actively supports marine and aquatic conservation through immersive aquarium exhibits that educate visitors about diverse aquatic ecosystems. The aquarium also engages in direct conservation efforts, such as its sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation program, demonstrating a commitment to hands-on preservation. Furthermore, they partner with various conservation organizations to amplify their impact and broaden the reach of their educational initiatives.
The mermaid meet and greet is just the latest example of such initiatives and is proof that learning is not only educational but can also be fun.
