After enjoying a few days with mom and dad, we headed south to Sarasota. Arriving early in the day we stopped at the Mote Marine Aquarium. This facility has great aquariums with informational video screens that make identifying the occupants easy.  Our favorite display was a group of rescued otters who seem to have an endless supply of energy.

Cuttlefish were changing color at will.

Squirrel fish, like these, were the first species I was able to catch when learning to spearfish. My ego took a blow after looking them up in the fish guide and finding they are nocturnal.

Rescued otters are playful and fast. Volunteers were training them to come and stand for their medicine.

The waterfall was a favorite play spot for the trio of otters.

Recovering manatees were interested in viewing those that were viewing them.

A new use for zip ties as tail holds in a seahorse nursery.

Volunteer researchers are developing new was to grow corals.

These corals will be “planted” back in the Gulf of Mexico to replenish natural reefs.