Marine Life in Motion
Little ones learn about the wonders of sea and pond creatures
Watching a turtle surface in a pond, spotting a horseshoe crab gliding along the bottom of a tank, seeing a trainer feeding an alligator—these are magical marine experiences, especially for young ones. And they are educational experiences, too, because children can learn about different types of marine life, habitats, diets and ecosystems, and about the importance of conservation efforts. Southwest Florida has several places to learn about the wonders of sea and pond creatures.
CALUSA NATURE CENTER & PLANETARIUM
Inside the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium in Fort Myers are a variety of aquariums teeming with fish, turtles and other aquatic life. Regular demonstrations and feedings of these creatures (and baby alligators) take place throughout the day.
In addition to marine life, visitors can discover other types of animals that are residents of the center, such as a rescued raccoon named Jenge and an Everglades mink named Skype. Near the center’s entrance are two full-grown alligators named Al and Allie. They live in an enclosure that can be easily observed from the upper deck.
GATOR MIKE’S FAMILY FUN PARK
Cape Coral-based Gator Mike’s is now known for more than its batting cage, mini-golf course, amusement rides, new zip line and arcade: The attraction also features a pond that is located underneath the zip line. The pond is packed full of fish and turtles—and they are always eagerly awaiting a treat. Fortunately, Gator Mike’s has handy feeder machines available. For a quarter, visitors can buy a small handful of fish food that can then be easily flung into the pond!
IMAG HISTORY & SCIENCE CENTER
At the IMAG History & Science Center (formerly known as the Imaginarium Science Center) in Fort Myers, there are several great spots to see and interact with marine life. Inside are many aquariums stocked with colorful fish, including a 3,200-gallon tank that was built and featured on Animal Planet’s
Tanked. It contains native fish and a zebra eel. There are also two “Sea-to-See Touch Tanks” in which regular demonstrations and feedings take place. The popular tanks include sea urchins, sea stars, hermit crabs, horseshoe crabs and stingrays.
Out back is “Fisheye Lagoon,” a small fish and turtle pond. Visitors can learn about its inhabitants and observe their behavior. “The area offers a peaceful environment for guests to feed such creatures as koi, suckermouth catfish, and tilapia and other assorted cichlids,” notes Kelli King, director of development & communications. There are also yellow-bellied turtles, red-eared sliders, Florida cooters and Florida softshell turtles. In the corral on the lagoon banks are a sulcata tortoise and two red-footed tortoises.
NAPLES ZOO AT CARIBBEAN GARDENS
The Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens has several ponds full of fish and turtles, and guests can easily buy food at the feeders. “Lake Victoria is the lake where guests can enjoy the ‘Primate Expedition Cruise’ [and there are] many different species of fish and turtles,” explains Courtney Jolly Goff, director of marketing and public relations. “Alligator Bay” is home to 13 American alligators. It features a daily feeding show in which visitors can watch alligators in a “training session.” Visitors will “learn the truths behind the myths” about the million-plus alligators in Florida. “This natural lake environment is also home to numerous native species, including an annual rookery of herons,” adds Jolly Goff.
THE SHELL FACTORY AND NATURE PARK
The North Fort Myers-based Shell Factory and Nature Park has a “Fun Park” with a waterway featuring bumper boats. Turtles and fish can be easily fed via dockside feeders. And the attraction is also home to an aviary, farm animals and exotic animals, as well as a variety of aquariums and turtles. Visitors can watch the alligators sunbathe and swim in the “Gator Slough Exhibit.” Regular demonstrations and feedings take place so that children, especially, can get a closer look at some of the amazing marine and pond animals in Southwest Florida.
Children can learn about different types of marine life, habitats, diets and ecosystems, and about the importance of conservation efforts.
Ann Marie O’Phelan is a Southwest Florida resident and a regular contributor to TOTI Media.