Our coverage partner KCRG says the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium expects to reopen its Gulf of Mexico exhibit next month.
On October 9th, a propylene glycol leak in the HVAC system caused a chemical contamination in the aquarium, resulting in the deaths of almost two-thirds of the animals.
Kurt Strand, President and CEO of the River Museum, says staff are in the process of safely reintroducing fish to the aquarium. The goal is to add an estimated 120 fish by mid-December.
By Christmas, Strand said the exhibit will feature new species like hogfish, goatfish, and filefish, with the return of community favorites like the Green Moray, Porcupinefish, and Queen Triggerfish.
Piping around every exhibit in the aquarium has been tested and new monitoring systems are being installed to help prevent and detect possible chemical leaks, with approval from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
