“You’re gonna need a bigger boat.”
That famous line, along with an ominous two-note theme song (dun duuun dun dun dun dun dun dun), sent chills up the backs of moviegoers everywhere. It’s been 50 years since Jaws made a splash on the big screen, sparking fear on beaches across America during the summer of 1975 (and for years to come). While the film initially instilled fear among the public when it came to dorsal-finned creatures, it eventually led to increased awareness and conservation efforts for sharks.
The Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium (WOW) in Springfield, Missouri, part of the Johnny Morris Conservation Foundation, will host its annual Shark Week – July 20-27. Guests can enjoy a jaw-some week at the award-winning attraction as it baits visitors with an array of themed events leading up to the big week – some require an additional fee.
- Shark & Ray Awareness Day, July 14, learn about the importance of sharks and rays to our oceans’ health, while learning from WOW’s experienced educators. Guests will engage in informational activities.
- Painting with a Splash, July 15 from 6-8pm guests will create their own shark painting during a two-hour instruction-led lesson.
- Sharkcuterie, July 18 from 6-9pm WOW is teaming up with The Board, where guests will learn how to arrange the perfect charcuterie, including customizing their own charcuterie board with woodburning. Hors d’oeuvres and beverages included.
- Shark Feeding | Out to Sea takes place every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 1pm at WOW’s Out to Sea exhibit. Guests can watch the team feed sharks, no reservation required.
- Out to Sea Shark Dive takes place daily. WOW is the only place in the Midwest where guests can come face-to-fin with sharks. State-of-the-art air helmets allow guests to conquer their biggest fears while comfortably submerging themselves underwater for a jaw-dropping experience. No diver certification is needed; wetsuit provided.
