FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 5, 2017
New, Interactive Marine Life Exhibit Unveiled at
Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center
~State-of-the-art display invites visitors to learn
about sea creatures~
 The new exhibit houses sea stars, horseshoe crabs, mollusks and other species.
NAPLES, Fla. – Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve has unveiled a new, 180-gallon
marine life exhibit at the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center.
More than a dozen species of marine animals are now on display and available for
guests of all ages to discover during regular visiting hours.
“The opportunity to observe and interact with a pygmy sea cucumber,
horseshoe crab or lightning whelk provides guests with an intimate connection to
our natural environment,” said Keith Laakkonen, Reserve director. “This hands-on,
interpretive tank will provide an immersive experience for thousands of students
and visitors.”
The new exhibit features a partitioned, state-of-the-art flow-through system,
which improves water quality and enables visitors to interact with animals throughout
the day. The imaginative, Florida west coast-themed tank includes live sand on the
bottom and view-through windows along the side, adding opportunities for guests
to observe the diversity of species in the exhibit from different angles.
The 180-gallon display is
designed to look and feel like Rookery Bay Reserve’s natural environment with
detailed rock formations and a mangrove-themed overflow box. In addition to self-guided engagement with these animals,
docent-led programs will also be scheduled throughout the day.
“As we celebrate 40 years of coastal conservation we remain committed to
bringing new and improved opportunities to build local knowledge and respect
for our beaches, mangrove forests and estuarine waters. The more engaged
our community members and visitors are, the more likely we are to appreciate,
enjoy and protect this remarkable ecosystem for future generations,” said
Laakkonen.
The Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center is open Monday through Friday from
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is also open on Saturdays through the end of April. Admission
is $5 for adults, $3 for youth 6 to 12 and free for Friends of Rookery Bay members
and children under 6. The Environmental Learning Center is located at 300 Tower
Road, off Collier Boulevard between Naples and Marco Island.
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