Yesterday we went to Sea World, and it was HEAVEN on earth, I swear! It was probably the coolest place I've ever been. Not only was it awesome to see whales, dolphins, bat rays, moray eels, otters, sea lions, belugas, star fish, and sharks, but we also got to FEED dolphins and bat rays!
I had no clue we would have hands on contact with the dolphins. They are in a pool with a short waist-high wall and you are allowed to lean over and put your hands in if you'd like. The dolphins are only interested in fish though and won't normally let you touch them unless you have little fish, which you purchase at a price of six dollars for three.
When we arrived at the dolphin tank, the dolphins were getting worked up because it was near feeding time. One came over to me and let me pet it's head and side, but a second one snuck up and sent a wall of water over at us. Shawn and I got soaked while everyone around the pool laughed.
It wasn't until later that we were able to feed the dolphins, which was awesome. The dolphins come up and let you pet their foreheads and bug you for fish. You throw little fish right into their mouths.
We also went and fed the bat rays which turned out to be my favorite experience. They have a weird soft feeling. Their skin is almost slimy, but not in a gross way. They were huge... if you put your arms out in front of you and make a circle like you are hugging a beach ball, that is the average size of the rays, and larger. When we arrived, one came right up and put his face into my hands, searching for fish.
Their mouths are largely soft and mushy. Unfortunately, when I was feeding one, his vacuum of a mouth sucked my fingers really hard and they slammed into his "teeth". I don't think they have teeth, rather it seemed like my finger had rammed into a plate. Either way, it hurt, but it wasn't a huge deal.
Everything was amazing to see, but being able to touch some of the creatures was by far the best part of my day.
Photos to come!
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