Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Twas the Night Before Fishmas

Twas the night before Fishmas, and underneath the mall
10,000 sea creatures were most excited of all.
Glowing algae was hung for all to see,
while coral was stacked in the shape of a tree.

The minnows floated along as they dreamed
about plankton, kelp, and other sweet things.
Even sting rays who rested just inches away 
anxiously awaited a man and his sleigh. 

Atlantis was teeming with holiday cheer,
knowing that Scuba Claus soon would be here.

When somewhere above came a splish and a splash,
and away to the surface the fish swam in a flash.

From sharks to turtles, all were excited to see
what the commotion in the water could be.
It must be a rock falling into the deep blue.
Or could the tales of Scuba Claus be true?

Rumors had spread about a jolly old soul
who brought gifts and goodies to the fish down below.
It was then that they saw them – a swift, tiny fleet
of eight seahorses, each one he would greet:

"Now Splasher! Now, Snapper! Now, Pincher and Poseidon!
On, Cuddles! On, Bubbles! On, Scales and Triton!"
From the bottom of the sea, one by one he would call.
"Now swim away! Swim away! Swim away all!"

Like currents they flew through the deep ocean sea,
gliding and spreading waves of Holiday glee.
Tangs and rays gathered, and knew it must be
cheery, plump Scuba Claus, the fish did agree.

Green Sea Turtles emerged for a closer look
of his eight tiny helpers and the bells that he shook.
The seahorses pulled the sleigh through rollers and waves,
right past the Jellyfish and toward Coral Caves.

Clownfish and tang greeted him there,
their colors stood out next to the white of his hair.

Claus wore a red coat that could be seen from afar, 
much like the skin of a nearby red-knobbed sea star.

Silently he floated towards the largest exhibit of all,
amazed that a 300 foot tunnel stood under a mall
1.3 million gallons is surely a lot,
but paled in comparison to the bag that he brought.

Toys and treats were welcomed by sturgeon and gar.
Their eyes looked amazed, their mouths stood ajar.
The spout of a snorkel was held tight in this smile,
while the bubbles encircled his face for a while.

Barnacles clung to his suit, sand entwined in his hair,
and the twinkle in his eye bared compassion and care.
He was generous and bright, a real pleasure indeed
and delivered his gifts with both swiftness and speed.

Even Caiman and Dart Frogs took note of their guest,
they caught a quick glance before their long winters rest.
Each of the sea creatures were eager to see
Scuba Claus in their home before his jovial flee.

It was then that he whistled and nodded to his team.
They glided with grace, with such style and gleam.
Away they flew through the Aquarium and out of the mall.
"Merry Christmas to everyone, and Happy Holidays to all!"



Stay tuned to SEA LIFE Minnesota's Facebook Page for the next verse! A new line will be posted every day until the night before Fishmas!

Write us a comment to be entered to win 1 of many cool prizes! Winners will be announced on Facebook!

www.sealifeus.com


Thanksgiving Treats Dished Up For Fishy Friends!



Our Caiman had a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving holiday. With the help of our animal care team, the caiman had the pleasure of dining on fresh cut turkey! An enthusiastic audience watched on as the grateful caiman celebrated Thanksgiving SEA LIFE style! 

The tropical fish in Rainbow Reef also got in on the Turkey Day festivities, as they snacked on a Thanksgiving yams. Not only do these tasty treats add some variety to their diet, they also provide the creatures with some additional nutrients. 

Special thanks to all those who brought in food items for Second Harvest Heartland last week, your donation were very much appreciated!  




 
 


Thursday, November 15, 2012

Save $5 per ticket, and help those in need!

For the past ten years Second Harvest Heartland has been working tirelessly to put an end to hunger throughout the Midwest. Last year alone they distributed 51 million pounds of food to food shelves, soup kitchens and shelters in Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. Donations from the community play a vital roll in helping Second Harvest continue their mission of ending hunger.

 Now through November 22, 2012 SEA LIFE Minnesota will be offering $5 off any Aquarium admission with the donation of a non-perishable food item! Come explore the wonders of the Aquarium while at the same time supporting a great local charity! Calypso (our largest Loggerhead Sea Turtle) weighs in at a staggering 350 pounds! Help us collect more pounds of food than Calypso weighs!

 Donations can be made at the SEA LIFE Minnesota Box Office, limit 5 per donation. This offer is not valid towards online ticket purchases. All food donations support Second Harvest Heartland: www.2harvest.org

Monday, August 13, 2012

Celebrate Shark Week at SEA LIFE Minnesota

At SEA LIFE Minnesota, we live every week like it's shark week; but even so, a stop to the Aquarium is the perfect way to celebrate one of the most exciting weeks of the year! Now through Saturday, August 18 we'll be offering our guests a shark infested experience with even more cool artifacts, activities, and interesting shark facts!

Not to mention, we have a couple cool activities to check-out this week:


Wednesday, August 15, 8:00am - 1:00pm

Shark Week becomes bloodier than ever...

SEA LIFE Minnesota is helping the American Red Cross circle their prey by hosting a blood drive Wednesday, August 15 from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. The blood drive will be held to help stem the tide of the constant need for blood. As an added incentive, anyone who donates blood will receive a voucher for a free admission to SEA LIFE Minnesota to use at anytime. To set the mood, SEA LIFE also will have a special tank with live sharks in the donor room.


Wednesday, August 15, 2012
8:00AM - 1:00PM
Coral Reef Room at SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium


For appointments please call 1-800-RED-CROSS or Click Here.

All presenting donors get a free admission to SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium! No cash value



Thursday, August 16, 8:30pm - 11:30pm

Sharks After Dark: Shark Week Edition


Discover over 10,000 sea creatures at SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium... after dark! Snack on the nacho bar and enjoy our Live DJ at the Aquarium. Then, get your game on with a 2-hour unlimited gaming card at Sky Deck in Mall of America (valid only on non-ticketing games). This is an all ages event, but if you're over 21, you may also enjoy drink specials at Sky Deck.

Admission includes:
• Aquarium Admission ($20 value)
• 2 Hours Unlimited Sky Deck Game Card ($20 value)
    Valid only for non-ticketing games 
• Live DJ at Aquarium
• Complimentary Nacho Bar
• Drink Specials at Sky Deck
• Scavenger Hunt
• Fun activities with cool prizes, including: hotel stays, restaurant gift cards, and Nickelodeon Mystery Passes.


SEA LIFE will be asking guests to go to www.sharksavers.org to learn about shark finning and its dangerous effects to the shark population and the ocean's eco-system. Shark finning has become increasingly popular due to shark fin soup which has decreased the population of sharks by as much as 90 percent in certain parts of the oceans during the last 20 years. 

Friday, July 20, 2012

Sleep Under The Sea

Looking for an adventure of a lifetime for your kids? Here at SEA LIFE Minnesota you can experience sleeping under the sea OVERNIGHT!

Get ready for an experience that your group will never forget! This adventure gives you a backstage pass to the aquarium, where you can see all the animals in a very unique way. Sleep beneath sharks, sea turtles, and sting rays, OH MY! This amazing view will take your breath away.

Take a hike around the aquarium, then enjoy a Behind the Scenes tour of our  food-prep kitchen, laboratory and the "top of the tanks" - above the aquarium exhibits and as close as possible to over 150 sharks without getting wet! After you have had a chance to experience the Behind the Scenes tour, we provide a pizza party for your group to refuel, along with doughnuts and juice in the morning. 


We wouldn't let you leave empty handed. Every member of your group receives a souvenir pillow case, spotters guide, and T-shirt to remind them of their awesome time at SEA LIFE Minnesota. So when you are looking for a place to take your family or group on your next outing, come spend the night at SEA LIFE and experience something your kids will be talking about for years!


Reservations for overnight functions must be booked at least two weeks in advance. To reserve the event, please call 952-853-0612 or email sales@sealifeus.com. You can also visit our website for pricing-http://www.visitsealife.com/Minnesota/schools-and-groups/group-adventures/overnight-adventures/



Thursday, July 12, 2012

A Seahorse Baby Boom & $5 Off Admission!


Not even the Duggars can compare to the recent baby boom at SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium. Over 200 babies from the Lined Seahorse family have been born over the last few weeks, with 150 of them just recently born about a week ago. The most recent babies are less than a half inch long, while the older juveniles are nearing four inches long. In addition, the aquarium currently has a male Tiger Tail Seahorse displaying signs of pregnancy. This species has yet to be bred at SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium.
 
SEA LIFE Minnesota has many reasons to be thankful for due to its new bundles of joy. The more seahorses born in captivity equates to less being taken from the wild. With the continued success of our seahorse breeding program, SEA LIFE Minnesota is effectively minimizing the impact on our oceans. Looking forward, the aquarium will work with other zoos and aquariums to trade or swap their “bundles of joy” for other seahorses to help diversify the genetic pool. This is very important to the success of the aquarium’s breeding program.

To celebrate the new arrivals, SEA LIFE is having a baby shower to help underprivileged new families with supplies for their own new bundle of joy. SEA LIFE Minnesota is partnering with Bundles of Love, a non-profit which, in 2011, provided baby items to approximately 6,100 families. Any guest(s) that donates new baby wipes, baby lotion or diapers will receive $5 off of Aquarium admission now through July 22nd (limit 6 per item).


Click here for more information about SEA LIFE Minnesota's Baby Shower!

Friday, June 29, 2012

Dwarfs No Longer Smallest Sea Horse

Dwarf Sea Horses are the smallest Sea Horse in the world, but are they the tiniest creatures swimming around Sea Horse Kingdom at SEA LIFE Minnesota? More information about the newest addition to the Sea Horse family will be revealed later this week.


Our amazing Sea-STAR of the week is the Dwarf Seahorse, the slowest moving fish in the world, with a top speed of only 5 feet per hour! Don't let their cute size and slow speed fool you, they are actually very intelligent. Our Dwarf Seahorses are kept in small aquariums and fed with delicious brine shrimp, although they also like to feed on copepods and other shrimp larvae. Dwarf Seahorses must be fed continuously throughout the day because of their small size.  


Guests and staff alike enjoy watching them as they float around and link to different plants with their long tails. They spend a majority of their time dancing around the tank and courting the opposite sex.

STAY TUNED to SEA LIFE Minnesota's Blog and Facebook page for a tiny surprise about the newest addition to Sea Horse Kingdom.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

SEA LIFE Minnesota Helps Its Duluth Friends – Two or Four Legged


Frenzie the Seal washed away in Duluth Flooding
Whether four-legged or two-legged, SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium wants to help their up-state neighbors in Duluth. With the recent flooding in the Duluth community as well as the Lake Superior Zoo, SEA LIFE Minnesota at Mall of America will be donating $2 of every online ticket sold this weekend (Friday, June 22 – Sunday, June 24) to Lake Superior Zoo. This will help the Zoo pay for needed cleaning supplies and maintenance needs to get the Zoo back to where it was before the flooding. 

Not forgetting about our human friends in Duluth and surrounding cities, SEA LIFE Minnesota will also be offering free admission this weekend to all Duluth residents along with other hard-hit areas including Hermantown, Cloquet, and Carlton, Proctor. The residents will just need to go online to SEA LIFE’s website, print out a voucher, and show their drivers license to receive free admission at the Aquarium this weekend. Full details at  www.sealifeus.com .

The SEA LIFE Animal Care team also understands, but cannot completely comprehend the Zoo’s loss. Ben Minerich, Sr. Aquarist commented, “When an unexpected tragic of this magnitude happens, it is difficult to be prepared to react. The efforts of the Lake Superior Zoo are commendable.” Aquarist Tania Roos added, “Any loss is significant because you grow more and more attached daily to the animals. Our hearts go out to the Lake Superior Zoo.”

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Instagram Photo Contest #SEALIFEMN


Show us your SEA LIFE pride! Share your favorite sea creature or aquatic photo via Instagram (a popular photo-sharing app on the iPhone) with the hashtag #SEALIFEMN to be entered to win a family four-pack of tickets to the aquarium! The photo could be of your favorite animal at SEA LIFE Minnesota or just a cool sea creature you have at home.


The photos will be sent to our instagrid #hashtag gallery so make sure you use the tag #SEALIFEMN with the photo to be entered to win a family four-pack of tickets!

To view the photos in the gallery visit http://instagrid.me/tag/sealifemn/ 

The contest will run until June 7th so act fast!

Also, make sure to come check out Turtle Fest here at the aquarium which runs until June 8th which includes discounted tickets, fun for the family, and sea life conservation awareness. WOW!

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

SEA LIFE Celebrates Turtle Fest


SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium will be celebrating Turtle Fest May 23rd- June 8th with TURTALLY awesome events throughout the aquarium starting today!

To kick-off Turtle Fest, our team will be giving Oyster, one of SEA LIFE's two Kemp's Ridley sea turtles, her annual physical. In honor of Turtle Fest, SEA LIFE wants to make sure that Oyster is in spectacular health by getting her blood work, weighing and measuring her to see how much she has grown, and checking her eyes and mouth to make sure she can live a long lasting life. 

Turtle Tidbits: Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtles are the most endangered species in the world. 

Come into SEA LIFE Minnesota to celebrate Turtle Fest with our terrific turtles. 
Guests can purchase discounted admission tickets to SEA LIFE Minnesota for $9.99 ( regularly $19.99 +tax ) at TurtleFestMinnesota.com. $1.00 will be donated to The Turtle Hospital in Florida for every ticket purchased. Our TURTALLY awesome events will include a turtle quiz trail with turtle-related trivia along with an up close and personal look at a Sea Turtle's annual check up! Look out for more Turtle Tidbits in future posts. 



Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Underwater Proposal



Today at SEA LIFE we were able to host a very special event for one couple.


Nick and April were visiting the aquarium when one of our divers pulled out a sign asking "Will You Marry Me?" Nick then got down on one knee and pulled out a gorgeous ring to a very excited "YES!" and a kiss.


Intern Anna and I were center stage for the proposal and were able to shoot a video of the event. We did our best not to give away the surprise but we were extremely anxious and excited!



Here at the aquarium we are often the hosts of proposals and even weddings. Back in February of 2006 we even had a couple who tied the knot underwater!



Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Sea Turtle Gains Weight

As most people try to shed off those last few pounds before the summer swimsuit season, SEA LIFE Minnesota's Giant Green Sea Turtle, Bubbles, hopes to gain weight - or a weight to be exact.

Today, Bubbles is undergoing a procedure to correct her Bubble Butt, a condition causing unwanted air to become trapped under her shell which prevents the turtle from swimming to the surface for air. The procedure involves a very strong epoxy to re-attach a customized weight to Bubbles' shell.

A similar weight was previously attached to Bubbles after she arrived at SEA LIFE Minnesota over a year ago, but last week it was dislodged after a little turtle drama in the tanks. Today's procedure involves an even stronger epoxy which will hopefully prevent it from falling off or becoming lunch for one of Bubbles' fishy friends.

Watch the procedure on our YouTube page: youtube.com/sealifemn

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Megalodon

The Carcharodon Megalodon, more commonly called Megalodon, is a species of shark that has been extinct for millions of years. The Megalodon shark was similar to the modern day great white shark, although much larger, weighing almost 100 tons and capable of growing to almost 67 feet in length with teeth as long as 7 inches. The Megalodon is said to have had the strongest bite of any creature that ever lived.

The picture on the right shows the maximum size of the Megalodon represented in gray, the average size of a Megalodon in red, the average Whale Shark in purple (currently the largest shark in existence), the average Great White in Green, and the average human in blue.

Fossils from the Megalodon have been found in oceans around the world ranging from near North America to near Europe to the Mariana Trench in the Pacific Ocean. Scientists have yet to figure out what caused the Megalodons to become extinct although there are many theories including a drop in food supply, oceanic temperature change, and new competition.

Take a piece of history home with you. Megalodon tooth fossils are now available in the SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium gift store!

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Save the Rainforest!

Our new Rainforest exhibit features Poison Dart Frogs, Caiman Crocodiles, Red-Footed Tortoises, and Piranhas! Along with this new exhibit, we are offering a fun, new contest! Follow us on twitter @SEALIFEMN and tweet us a #savetherainforest message! Your tweet will spread Rainforest awareness and enter you for a chance to win a Poison Dart Frog plush! This froggy friend is great for kids and is a great reminder to help Save the Rainforest! Contest ends Monday, April 23!

@SEALIFEMN Every second, a slice or rainforest the size of a football field is mowed down #savetherainforest

@SEALIFEMN Experts estimate that the last remaining rainforests could be consumed in less than 40 years #savetherainforest

@SEALIFEMN One-fifth of the world's freshwater is found in the Amazon basin #savetherainforest

Friday, March 16, 2012

Caiman Crocs: Now on Exhibit!

VET worked hard crafting "Welcome Home" signs for
SEA LIFE Minnesota's newest creatures.
 
A couple months ago, two Caiman Crocs arrived at SEA LIFE Minnesota... Today, the two sisters joined the rest of their Amazonian friends in the Aquarium's newest exhibit: Mysteries of the Rainforest! Not only did the surrounding animals express interest in the duo, but a local special-needs group, VET, also stopped by to greet the Caiman!

The Caiman Crocs made it home just in time for Mysteries of the Rainforest's grand opening - TODAY! SEA LIFE Minnesota is thrilled to welcome many exciting animals to the new exhibit. Some favorites include: Poison Dart Frogs, Tortoises, and Piranha!


Though, the Caiman Crocs are now proving to be a favorite among both staff and guests. The two sisters love to play in the water and entertaining guests by hiding among the floating vegetation.

There was no better way to welcome these two home then to provide them with their very own welcome party ...well, nothing better than lowering our ticket prices! (of course) This weekend only (March 16-18, 2012), visit SEA LIFE Minnesota & see our new Mysteries of the Rainforest exhibit and pay only $9.99/child and $11.99/adult (ticket prices do not include tax).

The new price will only be valid online throughout this weekend (from now until Sunday, March 18, 2012). Click here to visit our website and purchase your discounted tickets for this weekend!

Stop by to see our brand new Caiman Crocs, as well as all the Mysteries of the Rainforest!

www.sealifeus.com

Friday, March 9, 2012

Kevin Love Releases New Octopus

Yesterday was an exciting day for the 10,000 sea creatures of SEA LIFE Minnesota, because a local celebrity joined them under the sea.


Kevin Love, from the Minnesota Timberwolves, visited the Aquarium to help release his new pal K-Love, a Vulgaris Octopus. The basketball all-star assisted Aquarium staff with releasing his 8-legged namesake into his new home, which will be near the Aquarium's Harbor exhibit. 


Kevin and K-Love have more in common than one may think.  Both the octopus, K-Love, and Kevin Love have excellent grabbing ability – one to grab boards, the other mainly grabs food. An octopus is also one of the smartest animals in the sea, while Kevin is surely one of the smartest on the court. Lastly, both Kevin and K-Love will be making Minnesota proud for many years to come.


After Kevin welcomed K-Love to his new home, he treated Hope Kids (a group of children facing life-threatening illnesses) to a private meet & greet and ice cream - what a great guy!

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

LEAP Day at the Aquarium!

 SEA LIFE Minnesota celebrated Leap Day by welcoming a very special friend to the Aquarium: Disney On Ice's Princess Tiana! 


Princess Tiana, from Disney's Princess and the Frog, stopped by to visit a familiar pal: a Poison Dart Frog! She was accomponied by a Poplar Bridge Elementary 1st grade class, who greeted the princess (and the frog) by LEAP-frogging through the Aquarium's 300ft ocean tunnel!









Princess Tiana, and the rest of the Disney On Ice: Dare to Dream cast, will only be in town for a limited time, but the Poison Dart Frogs will be featured in the Aquarium's all-new Mysteries of the Rainforest exhibit - opening this Spring!


Happy LEAP Day from all of the frogs at SEA LIFE Minnesota!


www.sealifeus.com

Friday, February 3, 2012


This Spring, SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium welcomes many new creatures to its all-new South American Rainforest Exhibit! The immersive exhibit will feature many new species of live animals including: 
  • Caiman Crocodiles
  • Poison Dart Frogs
  • Piranha
  • Freshwater Stingrays
  • Tortoises
  • and more!
Visit SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium this Spring to discover the Mysteries of the Rainforest!

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Sea of Love

During previous years at the Aquarium, Valentines Day has been celebreated with an up-scale, seated meal inside our famous 300ft ocean tunnel.

After being transitioned to the SEA LIFE brand, the Aquarium has taken a unique approach to Valentine's Day for the 2012 holiday. This year, SEA LIFE Minnesota is excited to announce their newest Valentine's Day event: Sea of Love!

Sea of Love will greatly differ from previous Valentine's Day events held at the Aquarium. There will be no seated meal (though appetizers, dessert, and drinks will be offered), no inflated prices, and no need to even bring a date! The new event is perfect for a romantic date night with your sweetheart OR a fun getaway with your friends!

Sea of Love will take place on Tuesday, February 14, 2012, from 7:00pm - 11:00pm.
Price: $39.99+tax/per person - only $29.99+tax when you purchase your tickets online!
Click here to purchase tickets.

Your ticket includes:
  • Aquarium admission ($20 value)
  • 2-hour Sky Deck game card ($20 value)
  • Delicious Appetizers served throughout the Aquarium
  • Dessert
  • Full cash bar
  • Music played throughout the Aquarium
  • Dance floor
Now with an enhanced menu! Featuring: Carving Station, Bourbon Glazed Pork Skewers, Mac & Cheese Tarts, Red Velvet Cake and much more!
Spend Valentine's Day eating, drinking, and dancing under a sea of 10,000 sea creatures!

For more information about Sea of Love visit http://www.visitsealife.com/Minnesota/seaoflove/, call 952-853-0612, or email sales@sealifeus.com.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Caiman Crocs Arrive at SEA LIFE Minnesota!

Early this morning, two Caiman Crocodiles arrived at SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium all the way from sunny Miami, Florida. As you can imagine, the climate will take a little getting used to for the two Crocodile sisters!

The Caiman will be part of a new exhibit called “Mysteries of the Rainforest"at SEA LIFE Minnesota, which will be replacing the current “Minnesota Woods”area. Stay tuned for more information on what exotic creatures to expect when the new exhibit opens this Spring!

Watch the video below to check-out the arrival of the Caiman Crocodiles: