TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. — The Konger Tarpon Springs Aquarium is back!

From stingrays to alligators to a giant grouper, the animals now have an all-new spot to call home.

The aquarium moved from the Historic Sponge Docks to a new and bigger location nearby on Pinellas Ave.

Paige Konger and her family have been running the aquarium since 1990. Their location at the Sponge Docks was a landmark attraction for 30 years but they say it was time to expand. They closed last year and just opened the new version.

“It’s wonderful. It’s night and day,” Konger said. “The old facility had its charm and we really liked being there. We did good work there. But the new place has more space and is open-air, which helps with COVID.”

The family is big on providing hands-on exhibits and education. Visitors get to see fish and reptiles up close.

Many of the animals are rescues or surrendered pets that the family and staff now take care of.

“Ideally that passion we share will inspire people to protect the ocean. Protect the animals,” Konger said.

The exhibits are bigger than ever, with new enclosures for alligators, iguanas, turtles and improved tanks for fish, including sharks. 

Konger says the family already has plans for further expansion as well.

If you’d like to check out the aquarium, the owners are offering Florida residents 50% off during May. For more information, visit https://www.tarponspringsaquarium.com/