Beloved Goliath Grouper Sampson Dies at Missouri Aquarium

Wonders of Wildlife announces passing of 250-pound Atlantic goliath grouper after 4 years on exhibit

Feb. 28, 2026 at 4:11am

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Sampson, a 250-pound Atlantic goliath grouper who had been a resident of the Wonders of Wildlife aquarium in Springfield, Missouri since 2017, has passed away. The aquarium announced Sampson's death in a recent Facebook post, expressing that the beloved fish had brought joy and wonder to visitors and staff during his time on exhibit in the Shipwreck Reef display.

Why it matters

Goliath groupers are an endangered species, and the loss of Sampson represents the passing of a unique and charismatic marine animal that helped educate the public about the importance of conservation efforts for this vulnerable fish population.

The details

Sampson, who weighed 250 pounds when he arrived at Wonders of Wildlife in 2017, had been a resident of the aquarium's Shipwreck Reef exhibit for the past four years. The aquarium's Facebook post expressed that Sampson's presence would be deeply missed by both visitors and staff.

  • Sampson arrived at Wonders of Wildlife in Springfield, Missouri in 2017.
  • Sampson passed away in February 2026.

The players

Wonders of Wildlife

A large aquarium and wildlife museum located in Springfield, Missouri that is home to a variety of marine and terrestrial animals, including the late Atlantic goliath grouper Sampson.

Sampson

A 250-pound Atlantic goliath grouper who resided at the Wonders of Wildlife aquarium in Springfield, Missouri from 2017 until his death in 2026.

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The takeaway

The passing of Sampson the goliath grouper is a reminder of the importance of conservation efforts for endangered marine species, and how aquariums like Wonders of Wildlife play a vital role in educating the public about the need to protect vulnerable ocean ecosystems and the creatures that inhabit them.