Dorset-based attraction operator Merlin Entertainments has opened its fifth Sea Life Centre in Germany, taking the total number of Sea Life attractions in Europe to 17.
The 3,000sq m centre in Oberhausen cost E15m (£10.2m) to build and features 40 display tanks housing over 100 European marine and freshwater species.
It is Merlin’s largest Sea Life attraction to date, and is built around an ocean display centrepiece which includes a walk-through underwater tunnel.
As part of Sea Life’s conservation and welfare scheme, the attraction also includes an interactive SOS room where visitors are able to explore the marine ecosystem via touch screen technology and find out how they can help safeguard the marine world for future generations.
The Oberhausen centre will become Merlin’s flagship Sea Life attraction in a chain boasting attractions in France, Spain, Belgium, Holland and Finland.
Merlin operates 26 visitor attractions in eight European countries, including the four Dungeons attractions in the UK.
