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Mote Marine Laboratory Aquarium: Sarasota, Florida
By carlvaleri | October 6, 2009
Human ears are designed to hear better above the water which is why I was at a distinct disadvantage in sensing the presence of the massive fish swimming behind me. I’m not sure why I turned my attention from the brilliant purple and blue fish, but as I did a large figure came into view. As my eyes focused I remember seeing the large dorsal fin and a mouth full of razor sharp teeth.
I wonder if the shark heard my heart beating rapidly as I contemplated the dichotomy of my being in 40 feet of water and the large bronze skinned shark in 4 feet of water atop the brilliant colored reef. It was at this moment that the assumed size and gracefully movements of the shark calmed my nerves a bit in my admiration of it’s beauty as it swam through the warm Bahamian waters.
I stood frozen until I felt a nudge on my shoulder awakening me from my daydream and a person saying “you are next in line”. The entrance to Mote Aquarium contains replicas of sea rays and sharks hanging from the ceiling. They are positioned as if we where swimming underneath them. I’m sure this is the cause my reliving that day on the reef.
Giant Squid, Sharks, and Manatees
I couldn’t wait to see a giant squid, hammerhead sharks, and the manatees. Although these were my main reasons for coming to the aquarium I discovered there is more here than meets the eye.
The aquarium is only a small part of this sprawling campus which includes a sea rescue program for manatees and sea turtles. The first exhibits in the aquarium contain many fish seen on reefs. Colorful displays answer questions such as “what is a mollusk?”.
Individual tanks contain lively lobsters, squirming octopus, and slithering moray eels. Just beyond these small tanks is one of the more fascinating creatures, the giant squid. Standing next to the preserved giant squid was disconcerting when I realized this tentacled creature was three times my size. I’d hate to be swimming when one of these were in the water because I might look like lunch.
Near the squid is a large tank full of fish and small sharks gliding effortlessly through the water. A walkway atop the pool allows one to look down as if looking from the side of a boat. I sure wouldn’t want to fall in with all those sharks swimming by.
My favorite exhibit is the manatee tank where the large gray mammals lumber across the tank. Occasionally one grabs a head of lettuce thrown into the pool and starts munching on it. I notice scars on the back of one as if a propeller dug deep into it’s flesh. The mantees move slow and as they lie low in the water their gray backs are hard to see and are easily struck by boaters. Next time I am out on a boat I will make sure to look more carefully for these peaceful creatures.
Sea Turtle Hospital
The sea turtle exhibit and rescue is impressive. Large loggerheads and green turtles have been rescued from being injured, some unable to be released into the wild. If you live locally you can get involved by joining the beach patrols to monitor nesting and hatching activities. For other ways to become involved in conservation visit their website below.
The aquarium at the Mote Marine is educational and can be seen within a few hours. It is a short drive from St. Armand’s Circle in Sarasota and is a great diversion from a day of shopping.
I recommend your taking a tour of the facilities to learn more about the research and sea animal rescue program. Although a good sized aquarium, there is much that goes on behind the scenes that is very interesting. I suggest your taking time to discover more about the Mote Marine Laboratory by taking one of their many optional tours.
For More Information:
Give a gift of a “Protect Our Reefs” license plage
Topics: Aquarium, Florida, Sarasota | No Comments »