Enjoying the Little Things at SeaWorld

Today my son and I are going to SeaWorld. Sure, we’ll stop by the Nautilus Theater to hear “Jungle” Jack Hannah for the 1:15 show (read more about it here), but our main goal is to stroll around together, just taking in the sights and enjoying the “little things” we love about SeaWorld.

I remember when my son (now 6) was just learning to walk. When he waddled up to the step along the edge of the Stingray Lagoon, our hearts melted. Wow, our big boy could get up there himself! And boy did he laugh when they splashed his little face.

We spent a lot of time around that lagoon. When kids are little, there is a lot of emphasis placed on “tactile” learning. He sure got a lot of that! From the silky smoothness of the ray, to the cool water splashing on us. Occasionally we found stingray dental plates and we’d hold them in our hands and Daniel’s eyes would get SO big at this item so tiny.

Today, when the park is bustling with extra visitors for their very special guest, we’ll say HI, but to me, the most special guest is my boy. He’ll hold my hand as we enjoy getting splashed, and as we take in all we can while he’s still a “little thing,” though he won’t be for much longer….

Nutrition and Healthcare at the Animal Care Center, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

The Animal Care Center at Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay offers guests an up-close encounter that’s unique in the zoological community and offers an unprecedented look into animal nutrition and health.

Someone’s in the kitchen

The first area of the Animal Care Center looks like a set off a television food show. Experts will prepare the animals food, sometimes with the assistance from the guests themselves. Kangaroo lovers will be excited to hear they can prepare a cup of food to Kangaloom in Walkabout Way and feed them right after!

Healthy, nutitious meals are served up for the animals at Busch Gardens

Check Up on the Check-ups

Past the kitchen area is a medical/surgical room where visitors will be able to see veterinary care in action. Whether it’s a routine check-up, or a surgical procedure, the curtain is drawn back… literally. Two-way communication makes it easy to ask questions about the procedure being performed. Very few facilities in the world have such up-close opportunities for the public to learn about the animal kingdom.

On hand for the preview, Jungle Jack Hannah marveled at the state-of-the-art facility. “It’s just like Busch Gardens,” he shared, “to do something like this. Busch Gardens is always a leader in the animal care world.”

Mike Boos, vice president of zoological operations welcomes “the opportunity to share our level of care with our guests, and to continue our mission of connecting guests to animals in the natural world.”