Remodeled Discovery Keys habitat to feature Stingray & Nurse Shark Interaction Program; plus, cobia & tarpon feeding
As a celebration of ‘Shark Week’, Miami Seaquarium is introducing a new program where visitors will be able to come face-to-fin with stingrays and nurse sharks in a natural mangrove forest overlooking Biscayne Bay. The new stingray and nurse shark interaction program are paired together as one program that will take place in the park’s recently enhanced and transformed ‘Discovery Keys’ habitat opening on July 31, 2019.
‘Discovery Keys’ mimics a natural South Florida coastal habitat with red mangroves, sea oats, wild marine birds and shallow water pools. The area has recently undergone extensive enhancements to accommodate the new stingray and nurse shark interaction program along with cobia and tarpon feeding opportunities.
The stingray and nurse shark interaction program will take guests to wade into an unforgettable experience as they meet gentle southern stingrays (Hypanus americanus) as well as feed nurse sharks (Ginglymostoma cirratum) from the Discovery Keys island. The park’s animal care experts will escort participants through this unique interaction while providing insights on these fascinating creatures during their encounter.
“We are very excited to offer our guests this new animal interaction as today’s travelers are seeking more authentic experiences where they can immerse themselves in an unforgettable adventure,” said Eric Eimstad, General Manager at Miami Seaquarium. “Our mission every day is for our visitors to come away with a better understanding and appreciation of marine animals and their habitats.”
The interaction will consist of two parts, a southern stingray interaction and a nurse shark feed. Participants in this program will have the opportunity to sit in the shallow water of Discovery Keys with the southern stingrays and touch them while the park staff members feed them. Afterwards, participants exit the water and proceed to another area of the Discovery Keys island to feed the nurse sharks. The sharks will come up onto a shallow water platform and participants will use tongs to hand feed the nurse sharks. Participants will also have the opportunity to touch the backs of the nurse sharks.
The cost for the program is $69.99 (plus tax) per adult participant and $59.99 (plus tax) for kids under 10 years of age. This program includes general admission to Miami Seaquarium. Participants must be 52” in height and anyone under the age of 18 needs to have a parent or guardian present as an observer during the interaction. Each participant will be provided with wetsuits and water shoes to use during the program. The program also will accommodate guests with disabilities. Reservations for the program can be made by calling 305-365-2501 or going to www.miamiseaquarium.com
In addition, the park will have a cobia, tarpon feeding opportunity for all park guests. Guests can purchase a tray of food for $3.00 and feed them.
About Miami Seaquarium & Palace Entertainment
Miami Seaquarium has been awarded the coveted Humane CertifiedTM certification mark for the care and welfare of the animals at the park by meeting the American Humane Association’s rigorous certification standards. Located on the beautiful Biscayne Bay in South Florida, Miami Seaquarium provides visitors with a greater understanding and appreciation for marine life through shows, presentations and exhibits. Miami Seaquarium is owned and operated by Palace Entertainment, one of the leading leisure park operators in the United States. Palace Entertainment owns and operates eight water parks, six theme parks, two animal parks, and five family entertainment centers across 10 different states. For more information, please visit miamiseaquarium.com or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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