Adjacent to the word SeaWorld lately has been the words frenzy, fatal, attack and Killer Whales. But, I recently spent the day at the marine park and the tone and spirit of the tourists and employees reminded me of why so many thousands of people flock to see creatures large and miniscule behind glass and up close. I took quite a few pictures that day and also missed a lot of great photo opportunities because it’s hard to take your eyes off the amazing sea life that you would otherwise never experience. Here are a few of my discoveries…

This smaller tank compared to some was filled with seahorses ranging from 2 to 4 inches in height.

Did you know that seahorses have no teeth and no stomach? Food passes through their digestive systems so quickly, they must eat almost constantly to stay alive. Here are some other interesting facts about seahorses.

This appears to be related to the jelly fish “clan,” but I’ll be honest, I can’t remember what this one was! Love the tentacles, too.

Giant Pacific octopus.

Okay, some cool facts I learned about Octopus were:

• Giant octopuses have highly developed brains and are rather skilled at puzzles, opening jars and even leaving their enclosures to look for food.
• Giant octopuses’ arms and suckers are very strong. It’s been estimated that 40 pounds of force is needed to release the grip of a 3-pound octopus.
• The female can lay up to 100,000 eggs at a time. Very few survive to maturity.

Octopus arms and suction cups stuck to the glass.

Cabbage flowers.

Watching stingrays from a viewing area with a glass roof.

Watching children get excited by the mass of about 300 stingrays circling the Manta aquarium.

To learn more about what you’ll find at the Manta Aquarium, click here.