Marine motivation
It’s no surprise that seeing 100-plus species of marine life up close ― from huge sharks to tiny dwarf seahorses ― at the nonprofit Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in Sarasota will thrill one’s youngsters. It’s also quite possible they could be inspired to do much more after visiting, from becoming more environmentally conscious and adopting best practices in their daily lives to even wanting to set a career path in studying the science of the oceans.
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Randy Kambic
Marveling at manatees is a popular part of any visit to Mote.
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Randy Kambic
Informative displays, like for many types of sea turtles, complement seeing live animals at Mote.
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Randy Kambic
The stingray touch tank is a must-stop during any visit to Mote.
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Randy Kambic
Get an up-close look at crocodiles at Mote.
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Randy Kambic
Eugenie Clark, who founded what eventually became the Mote facility, is saluted in several displays.
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Randy Kambic
The antics of playful river otters are a hit with all ages at Mote.
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Randy Kambic
The antics of playful river otters are a hit with all ages at Mote.
Even before entering either of two, separate, adjacent, two-story buildings, Southwest Florida visitors can take pride in a highly positive connection that exists with the facility. Already offering a robust marine sciences program and having been named the Top Green School in Florida by The Princeton Review in October, Florida Gulf Coast University established a partnership with Mote in the spring of 2019 to work together through internships and other measures to address the impacts of harmful algal blooms to the environment.
All kids have a soft spot for otters, thanks to their carefree, playful nature. Young visitors will also learn the crafty ways of three North American river otters in constructing dams and homes in our waterways. And who can resist not touching the soft, silk-like texture skin of stingrays in the Mote’s touch tank?
Stephannie Kettle, Mote’s public relations manager, explained the fascination and appeal these two specific exhibits pose for youngsters and how they can also foster additional benefits.
“It’s important to break down the fear of the unknown. Being able to touch the stingrays allows them to connect with and get excited about them. Our otters are so playful, curious and mischievous. Their tank is built to be as close to their natural habitat as possible so one can observe their natural behavior including using the slides and even sleeping in their dens. They are in our lakes so it helps convey to them and parents as well the importance of keeping our waterways clean.”
While we can see the denizens of Manatee Park in Fort Myers and in our waterways, several of the massive yet gentle mammals are also popular, up-close Mote residents.
Randy Kambic
The Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in Sarasota.
Pre-high schoolers can especially relate to the baby marine animals of multiple species, including sharks, seahorses, pipefish, garden eels and jellyfish, that they’ll see in the “Oh Baby! Lifecycles of the Sea” exhibit. At the same time, they’ll learn about their ways of reproducing and caring for their young and how vital it is for us to protect their habitats for their future generations.
The late Eugenie Clark ― who was the first director of the Cape Haze Marine Laboratory in 1954 in Placida, Florida (it was moved to Mote’s present location in 1960 and later underwent a name change to honor William R. Mote, a major benefactor) and was known as “The Shark Lady” for her 200-plus worldwide expeditions in studying them and other species ― is saluted in several areas. Learning her story can especially enthrall and inspire the young girls of one’s family.
“Wild Kratts: Ocean Adventure!,” a special exhibit created by the Minnesota Children’s Museum and the Kratt Brothers Company from January 30 through May 16, invites kids and parents to explore animal habitats from around the globe, learn about their abilities and functions, and embark on a mission to foil the villains’ nefarious plans.
Many of the aquariums are complemented with informative signs and interactive displays.
One would be hard pressed to conjure any aspect of the sea that Mote doesn’t address, so visitors know they are actively supporting marine life and our environment through their patronage. Along with caring for sick and injured marine life in their rehab hospitals and conducting ongoing important research, their staff issues environmental reports on marine mammal and sea turtle strandings and nestings, beach conditions, red tide, Florida Keys’ coral reef observations, the weather and more.
“Visits to our aquarium, which was closed for nearly three months due to the pandemic, supports all of our research and conservation efforts which we put such an emphasis on,” added Stephannie. “The fact that the public is supporting the ongoing work by our staff scientists makes us special.”
All in all, the entire family will appreciate why the Mote earned top honors last year in readers’ choice categories as both Best Place to Take Kids in Sarasota Magazine and Best Tourist Attraction in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune among many other forms of recognition.
Courtesy of Mote Marin Laboratory and Aquarium
The “Wild Kratts: Ocean Adventure!” is a special current exhibit at Mote.
Visitors can also stay connected with the Mote after experiencing it. Online programs offer hands-on marine life learning and fun for all ages including monthly Teen Science Cafes and digital downloads of animal coloring pages. Kids can further their relationship by adopting an animal. Parents can be informed of sustainable and healthy seafood choices in their family food shopping by signing up for the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch program.
Stopping at St. Armands Circle, boasting dozens of shops, boutiques, art galleries and restaurants, that’s only a five-minute drive from the Mote, is a must. For those who want to opt for an overnight visit to the Sarasota area, also check out The Ringling, a 66-acre complex with its Circus Museum, Tibbals Learning Center, Museum of Art and the Ca’ d’Zan (the Venetian Gothic-designed, opulent home of John and Mable Ringling) that’ll undoubtedly enthrall “children of all ages.”
Other outstanding family attractions in the city include the Children’s Garden and Art Center and the Sarasota Jungle Gardens.
NOTE: Online registration is requested due to the current pandemic.
Robert Taylor TripAdvisor