|
|
|
  
|
Florida's Gulfarium features several
large capacity tropical fish aquariums. They offer an accurate sample
look into the life of marine reef ecosystems, found around the world. These
saltwater aquariums provide homes to: sea anemones, sea urchins, live coral
rock, several moray eel species, sea stars, a variety of crabs, and tropical
fish from the Gulf of Mexico and around the world. |
|
|
Our Dune Lagoon
could also be called Pelican Pond. This area provides a sanctuary to
some of the injured birds we've cared for at Florida's Gulfarium. It's
not unusual to see "Peg Leg," a one legged Great Blue Heron perched atop a
nearby fence post. Several juvenile and adult Brown Pelicans
call Dune Lagoon their home. Some of the other permanent residents include
American Coots, mallards, domestic white ducks, and other farm ducks. During
the winter months, it is common for Buffleheads, Cormorants, and other birds
to stop and rest at Dune Lagoon during their annual migrations. For
just 25 cents, you can put a smile on your child's face from ear to ear. Let
them grab a handful of bird feed and watch as the birds eat the food
directly out of their hands. |
|
|
|
Fort Gator is our exhibit that features two American Alligators. This fenced in exhibit provides a perfect habitat for these animals. They have a swampy pond to hide in as they lie submerged beneath the water line. It's always fun trying to decide if that "rock" in the water is a 'gator or actually a rock. They also have trees to shade themselves with, sandy areas to sun themselves with, and grassy areas to just relax in. |
|
|
|
Our loggerhead
turtles play an important role in our efforts to educate the general public
about marine life. Florida's Gulfarium is part of the Turtle Stranding
Network, and the turtles we have on exhibit were rescued from the wild.
They suffered life altering injuries and are not fit to be returned to the
wild. They do receive a tremendous amount of care and are an excellent tool
that helps us teach our visitors about endangered marine life species. |
|
|
|
While North
American River Otters aren't exactly a marine species, Florida's
Gulfarium just couldn't pass up providing a home for these adorable animals.
They actually belong to the Weasel family but many of our visitors confuse
them for baby sea lions. They may look cute and cuddly but our otters
are far from innocent little creatures. Our animal keepers have to
stay alert at all times when entering their home. They are extremely
inquisitive, playing with and usually destroying most of their toys.
They are very sociable and seem to enjoy being the center of attention as
they frolic and wrestle with each other. |
 |
|
|
The Seal and Sea
Lion Rookery is a unique exhibit of Florida's Gulfarium. It is the
home to large male California Sea Lions, Grey Seals, and a Harbor Seal.
Each of these different species lives in perfect harmony with one
another. The rookery has been used to establish a successful breeding
colony with our California Sea Lions. You can compare and contrast the
physical differences between seals and seal lions, that you'll learn
about in the Sea Lion Show. It's easy to admire the beauty and grace
in their almost effortless, but quite different, swimming styles. On
occasion, you may even be able to witness our trainers teaching the animals
show behaviors during the animal's feeding times. |
|
|
|
Nurse Sharks and
Lemon Sharks are 2 species of sharks that can be found in the local Gulf of
Mexico waters. You will also find them in the Shark Moat of Florida's
Gulfarium. These 2 species of sharks are examples of bottom-dwelling
sharks. While resting still on the bottom, they can vent water over
their gills. They do not need to swim in order to breath like most
other sharks. But the water never remains still when it's feeding
time! You can see and hear the unique eating habits of each of these
species. |
|
|
|
When people
think of stingrays, they often think of a large animal with a deadly tail.
While stingrays can inflict painful wounds with their tail, they are not
aggressive or life-threatening animals. Our staff members constantly swim
among the rays when it is time to clean and scrub the exhibit pool. Our
exhibit features Southern stingrays, Yellow stingrays, and Blue-spotted
stingrays. Our large pool makes it easy to compare and contrast their size,
colors, and shapes. The stingray pool also provides a home to blue crabs,
horseshoe crabs, and different kinds of small cleaner fish that help keep
algae growth to a minimum. |
||
|
Our touch pool
is always a kids' favorite. Children of all ages, including adults, can get
their hands wet and explore the extreme differences between the top and
under sides of horseshoe crabs. You can pick up a beautiful sea shell
and be surprised to find a hermit crab living inside it. Horseshoe
crabs, live sand dollars, and sea stars are some of the other creatures that
inhabit our touch pool. |
|
|
|
While birds
aren't marine mammals, no marine life park would be complete without an
exhibit for the animals that prefer a drier habitat. The tropical
birds of Florida's Gulfarium have native habitats of Indonesia, Africa, and
South America. This exhibit features: Cockatoos, an African Grey
Parrot, and Sun Conures. |
|
|
|
"Tropical Penguins? But I thought penguins only lived where it is cold?" This is a popular misconception that many people have about penguins. Not all penguins live in the cold polar regions. The Humboldt and Blackfoot penguins you'll see at Florida's Gulfarium have a native habitat in South America. Some of them even live near the equator. Our penguins enjoy swimming in their pool and socializing with one another around feeding time. Occasionally, you can hear them communicate with one another using a donkey-like bray. |
|
|
|
|
||
|
Get your FREE e-mail account. Click here! |
||
|
|
||
