Oklahoma Aquarium Celebrates 20 Years In Jenks

It's been 20 years since the Oklahoma Aquarium opened its doors. Many of the staff from opening day are still there, and say it is a special place.

"We always say this aquarium is one of our children because that's how passionate we are about it," said Dr. Ann Money, Director of Development and Research.

Dr. Ann Money has been at the aquarium since the beginning. She said the research they do at the aquarium is what makes it truly special.

"Our sharks literally help save lives around the world. These specific sharks, they contribute a lot to the health of this planet," she said.

The aquarium has the largest collection of bull sharks in the world, with their exhibit being the first part of the aquarium that opened 20 years ago.

"We pulled up in a semitruck from Florida with seven, great, big bull sharks. It was huge crowds as well rolled up and just a neat thing for everybody," said Chief Operating Officer Kenny Alexopoulos.

Kenny Alexopoulos moved to Jenks 23 years ago after helping open Moody Gardens in Galveston.

"This was a project that was very unique because we had to come here and actually do the design and build ourselves," he said.

Kenny's favorite part of the aquarium isn't even a living exhibit, but a bronze statue outside he built himself and dedicated to his son.

"Do what you love, son. Because if you do what you love, everything will follow with you," he said.

He said he plans to keep doing what he loves at the aquarium and looking forward to the next 20 years.

"By 20 years, I hope we have a million-gallon bull shark tank, which is over twice of what we have now, and I hope we expand to at least 50 percent more," he said.

The aquarium plans to celebrate 20 years with a birthday party on May 20 from 4 to 6 p.m.