Discover DFW: Dallas World Aquarium

DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) — In the heart of downtown Dallas is an immersive oasis that transports visitors to other parts of the world.

The Dallas World Aquarium allows visitors an opportunity to see and learn about the marine life that can be found all over the world, as well as over 15 species of mammals and over 100 species of birds.

It's an experience Arica O'Sullivan, the small mammal and bird keeper at the Dallas World Aquarium says will delight visitors of all ages.

"I see small children here and their eyes light up when they see those colorful fish," O'Sullivan says. "Especially, when they see Nemo and they see the Dory down there in our aquarium gallery."

Roberto Gomez, who also works at the aquarium, says it is an experience unlike any other in Dallas, that brings guests up close to the various species in a setting that reflects their natural habitats.

"Not only that, but you get to see animals that you might not see at other facilities in the world, or the wild," Gomez explains.

Including animals like the Three-Toed Sloth, which can be found in the aquarium's newest area known as the Cloud Forest Trek.

"If you've been here before, but you haven't checked out this exhibit, this is your chance to escape from the Downtown Dallas reality, coming to the rain forest and seeing some animals that you won't get to see anywhere else," Gomez says.

The Dallas World Aquarium is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.