The Animal Exhibits

The other great attractions at Florida's Gulfarium are the Animal Exhibits. You can get an up-close view of live salt water fish in our aquariums, watch sharks being fed in our shark moat or feed our wild birds in our Dune Lagoon!

Salt Water Aquariums

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.

The Dune Lagoon

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. You might also be greeted by Honker, our resident goose. 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

Fort Gator is our exhibit that features a large male American Alligator. This fenced in exhibit provides a perfect habitat for this animal. He has a swampy pond to hide in as he lies submerged beneath the water line. It's always fun trying to decide if that "rock" in the water is the 'gator or actually a rock! Our gator also has trees to shade himself with, sandy areas to sun himself with, and grassy areas to just relax in.

North American River Otters

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 Shark Moat

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.

The Touch Pool

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.

Tropical Bird Aviary

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

"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.

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