Monday, June 19, 2000 | 3:07 a.m.
The resort that brought surfing to the Nevada desert is putting some teeth into its claim as a South Seas knockoff - opening a $40 million attraction featuring 13 species of sharks.
Two divers in protective suits interacted with ominous-looking tiger sharks and tickled the bellies of curious sting rays Monday as Mandalay Bay resort and casino introduced its latest attraction.
The Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay will offer a close-up look at aquatic life and rare reptiles ranging from 13 species of sharks to rare golden crocodiles. The five golden crocodiles - among only 12 known to exist - were destined to end up as wallets and belts until they were discovered in Bangkok, Thailand by curators gathering species from around the world.
The project includes 75 different species of sharks, tropical and fresh water fish, reptiles, marine invertebrates and rays. The project, two years in the making, is expected to expand to 100 species, with more than 3,500 animals on display.
The facility covers more than 105,000 square feet and holds almost 2 million gallons of sea water.
Shark Reef replicates an ancient temple that has been slowly claimed by the sea. In one section, visitors stand in an area with water on all sides, different species peering through glass inquisitively at the human visitors.
Video monitors provide details on each of the species featured in four different exhibit areas.
In one of the exhibits, a diver made his way between coral reefs, trailed by giant sea turtles and schools of fish as tiny as an inch long. In another, two divers fed schools of swarming fish while sharks and sting rays swam amid the replicated ruins of a Spanish galleon.
Visitors are surrounded by water on all sides, giving a view of "what you would see looking out from a sunken ship," said Glenn Schaeffer, president of Mandalay Resort Group.
"It's a total immersive experience," Schaeffer said. "We're going to take you out of the world you came from. This is the most realistic environment on the Las Vegas Strip."
Visitors spend 14 hours a day looking for something to do and only four is spent on gambling, Schaeffer said in predicting success.
The project was several years in the planning, with development well under way before the 3,700-room Mandalay Bay resort opened on the south end of the Las Vegas Strip in March of 1999, Schaeffer said. The South Seas-themed resort includes a giant wave pool suitable for surfing competition and a sandy beach.
Shark Reef, developed by the casino company and Vancouver Aquarium of British Columbia, Canada, opens to the public Tuesday.
Ticket prices are $12.95 for adults, $9.95 for children 12 and younger.
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