TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE AND COME VISIT THE TARPON SPRINGS AQUARIUM AND ANIMAL SANCTUARY IN TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA.
There are no lions, tigers or bears at the Tarpon Springs Aquarium and Animal Sanctuary but there are plenty of cool creatures, most of them rescued, to see! The Tarpon Springs Aquarium and Animal Sanctuary is a family owned business and this family is hands-on! They are not just sitting behind a desk all day. When we visited the aquarium and animal sanctuary, both Scott and Paige were actively involved with the visitors. This family is friendly, knowledgeable and has huge hearts dedicated to caring for these amazing creatures.
DON’T BE SHY, SNUGGLE A SNAKE!
Our Sun Kind of Living team always jumps on the chance to handle a new critter. While attending the Up Close Reptile Encounter that is offered at the Tarpon Springs Aquarium and Animal Sanctuary we were able to pet numerous creatures from a large rescued tortoise, named Pebbles, who loves to get the back of her shell rubbed to lizards and even a snake or two. After the show there was a photo opp with a gorgeous snake! Inssssssstagram here we come!
BY GOLLY, WE ACTUALLY HELD A GATOR!
The Alligator Show is also a must-see show that is offered at the Tarpon Springs Aquarium and Animal Sanctuary. During this show the audience was educated on alligators and were able to see their powerful jaws in action when they were fed. Audience members were able to sit on bleachers and small children were encouraged to come up for a closer look and view the show seated on the floor, right in front of the glass. This proved to be a very exciting experience for both children and adults alike. Our team was eagerly walking over to hold the small gator at the end of the show for yet another neat photo opportunity. There was one other popular star of The Alligator Show that we must mention, named Shrek. Shrek is an Alligator Snapping Turtle who also enjoyed being fed in front of an eager crowd.
A VERY LOVING GOLIATH GROUPER.
The Scuba Diver Show not only gave us insight into the incredible creatures that reside in the depths of the ocean but also showed the love of a close-knit family. While viewing this show, Scott was the speaker while his daughter Paige dove in the aquarium tank with the aquatic creatures. Scott proudly discussed Paige’s accomplishments and radiated pride and love for how far this Aquarium and Sanctuary has come. The star of the show truly was a Goliath Grouper named Oscar the Grouch, who literally acted like a pet dog. If someone told our team that we could suit up and jump in the tank with Oscar the Grouch, the Goliath Grouper, we would be running for our wetsuits. Goliath Groupers are such curious, friendly and gentle creatures that like all living things, deserve so much more kindness and respect. There were also quite a few sharks circling around as well as fish. Both Paige and Scott did an outstanding job helping to tug at the public’s heartstrings and help the audience understand the importance of helping the creatures that inhabit our oceans.
FEED A SHARK OR HOLD A CRAB!
The Tarpon Springs Aquarium and Animal Sanctuary wants you to have a hands-on experience while visiting. Our Sun Kind of Living team spent quite a long time just dipping our hands into the tidal pool touch tanks that were available. There were so many interesting creatures to observe. Don’t forget to participate in the feeding programs. We were able to feed sharks, stingrays, tarpon and even some turtles.
GET THE FULL EXPERIENCE!
Make sure to participate in all of the activities the Tarpon Springs Aquarium and Animal Sanctuary has to offer. Talk to the family! They are so knowledgeable and friendly. Come back more than once and support this family-owned, hands-on facility. Our team will definitely be back! We are secretly hoping one day we can swim with Oscar the Grouch!