My co-worker Tina Gerami and I were lucky enough to be invited to a media event at the new SEA LIFE Aquarium. Now, I must admit, that I was having a hard time picturing an aquarium at Arizona Mills Mall, but once inside all those apprehensions vanished. This is a beautiful aquarium that rivals some of its California counterparts. You actually felt like you could be near the ocean – instead of the middle of the desert.
The tanks on exhibit were thoughtfully laid out and the creatures inside were easily viewed. There were also video “screens” that would rotate information about the tank’s contents. Tina’s kids, Jaden and Loren, and my daughter, Solvay
loved the tanks where they could view them through a domed bubble – making it seem as if they were inside with the fish. On of my favorite exhibits was a round room that had a tank surrounding it where a school of fish would constantly swim (actually made me a little dizzy watching!). There were also tanks of graceful jellyfish, mysterious seahorses, sharks, an octopus, a variety of rays, puffer fish (we learned that they only “puff up” as a last resort – takes a lot out of the fish to do this) and many more. The kids also enjoyed the “petting” tanks where they could touch sea stars, anemones, urchins, tiny shrimp and other sea creatures. There is also a play area with climbing structures and a gift shop to round off the visit. On the night we went, we had the perfect ending to a wonderful evening – red velvet cake!
