Full Breakdown
Blue Zoo Aquarium Closure Leaves Iowa Mermaid Out of Work
5/26/2026, 3:54:09 AM
The Final Curtain at Blue Zoo Aquarium
Blue Zoo Aquarium, located in the Jordan Creek Town Center of West Des Moines, will cease operations after being evicted from its lease. The facility’s last public day is scheduled for Monday, with professional mermaid Angie Cunningham’s final performance slated for Sunday. Admission on the final day will be free while capacity allows.
Background and Controversy
Opened in 2024, Blue Zoo marketed itself as an interactive family attraction featuring sharks, stingrays, reptiles, birds, and daily mermaid shows. During its brief tenure, state regulators investigated animal-welfare complaints, including the death of a parakeet and a guest bite by a bamboo shark. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) does not list the West Des Moines location as an accredited aquarium. Blue Zoo later cited a “substantial rent increase” as a primary factor in its decision to close, while court filings indicate eviction for unpaid rent.
Key Figure: Angie Cunningham (Sirena)
Angie Cunningham, who performs under the name “Sirena,” is a PADI-certified scuba mermaid instructor. Her training covers breath control, underwater rescue, emergency response, and endurance swimming while wearing a monofin tail. Cunningham’s mermaid work began as an educational role after volunteering at Blank Park Zoo and evolved into a therapeutic outlet following the death of her only son.
Data and Logistics
Cunningham’s performances take place in a 48,000-gallon saltwater tank equipped with a window for audience viewing. Her mermaid costume, including a handcrafted tail and monofin, weighs roughly 20 pounds. The tails alone represent a multi-thousand-dollar personal investment, alongside custom tops, crowns, and specialized scuba gear.
Official Statements and Responses
Blue Zoo released a statement emphasizing its commitment to animal care, noting that “caring for animals at the level they deserve is both a huge responsibility and a significant investment.” The company attributed the closure to an unsustainable rent increase and confirmed that the final day would feature free admission. Court documents confirm the eviction resulted from missed rent payments.
Criticism and Opposition
State investigators highlighted animal-welfare lapses, and the lack of AZA accreditation raised questions about the facility’s standards. Liability concerns also limit mermaid performances in public pools, restricting Cunningham’s ability to secure comparable venues.
On-the-Ground Impact
Cunningham stresses that losing access to the large, windowed tank severely limits her ability to “live that mermaid life.” She notes that most public pools prohibit mermaid tails, and private gigs such as birthday parties are irregular. The closure threatens both her livelihood and the therapeutic outlet she found in mermaid swimming.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
Blue Zoo’s public narrative cites a rent increase, whereas legal filings point to unpaid rent as the eviction trigger. Additionally, no official AZA accreditation status is provided, leaving the exact standards applied to the aquarium unclear. Information on potential alternative venues for Cunningham’s performances remains unavailable.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It just becomes all part of you,” — Angie Cunningham, professional mermaid
- “Altogether, you’re probably looking at maybe 20 pounds,” — Angie Cunningham, on costume weight
- “There’s times where I’m swimming where I feel like he’s got his hand on my shoulder,” — Angie Cunningham, reflecting on her son
- “I know that I’m probably going to be really limited,” — Angie Cunningham, on future work prospects
- “Caring for animals at the level they deserve is both a huge responsibility and a significant investment,” — Blue Zoo Aquarium (Facebook statement)
What’s Next
Cunningham hopes to continue performing as Sirena through private events, though she acknowledges the scarcity of suitable venues. Blue Zoo’s final free-admission day offers a last opportunity for the public to experience the aquarium before its permanent closure.
