DALLAS — The oldest aquarium in Texas has reopened for the State Fair.

Jessica Nishimoto, animal care supervisor for the Children’s Aquarium Dallas has worked with marine life for over a decade. As she prepares food for her fish, she reflects on her time at the Children’s Aquarium Dallas at Fair Park. 

Jessica Nishimoto prepares fish. (Spectrum News 1/Robin Richardson)

“We are about 85 years old and we basically have been open ever since then.” Nishimoto explained

Jessica has always been drawn to working with marine life. 

“I’m originally from Southern California and I grew up next to the ocean so it’s very deeply engrained in me,” Nishimoto said. "I knew ever since I was a kid that I wanted to work with animals and fish in particular. My favorite part about it is that they surprisingly all have very different personalities.”

Jessica Nishimoto. (Spectrum News 1/Robin Richardson)

Jessica is thankful to educate families through innovative and interactive exhibits that ignite a love for marine life. 

“I do really love kind of being able to see the Mahi Mahi exhibit, their natural feeding behavior,” Nishimoto said. “It's nice to just take your time, feed the animals, observe them — take it in.” 

The Children’s Aquarium Dallas is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.