spacious Exhibit Hall, at the Stingray Touch Pool, and on the Living Marsh Boardwalk. All in all, the aquarium’s displays contain more than 30,000 gallons of water in 31 tanks that function as homes for 100-plus marine species. One of the center’s largest presentations features the great variety of flora and fauna within the 289-square-mile Mobile River Delta. The open water and tidal swamps of the delta’s wetlands provide homes for 131 distinct types of fish as well as 250 resident and migrant bird species. But bigger isn’t necessarily better. In one of the center’s smaller exhibits, you might find it impossible to resist the advances of an adorable little freshwater turtle as he paddles around his tank, seemingly smiling and waving hello to passersby. Likewise, don’t miss peeking at the lion fish with their alternating stripes, polka dots, and tendrilled wing-like fins. They are likely the most outrageous looking residents onsite. A vibrantly painted interactive mural depicting Mobile’s essential sargassum seaweed community is a visual highlight in the aquarium’s dark room. Illuminated plant and animal life from Alabama’s underwater forest, crowd-pleaser orange clown fish, and an exotic crescent grunter—a fish from the other side of the world who showed up inexplicably in Mobile Bay—are other interesting dark room elements. Unique seashore-themed artistic touches like the upcycled mosaic window coverings (made entirely of multi-colored plastic bottle caps) enhance the overall visual allure of the exceptional Alabama Aquarium. Georgia Sea Turtle Center, Jekyll Island, Georgia In sync with Jekyll Island’s unspoiled landscapes, the welcome sign at Georgia Sea Turtle Center is framed naturally by a jumble of fringy palms and mossy live oaks. The center’s solid brick primary building has a massive mosaic turtle motif imbedded in the sidewalk that leads to the entrance of the exhibit gallery. As you navigate the sloped sidewalk to approach the center there’s no doubt that you’re venturing into sea turtle territory.
The southernmost of “The Peach State’s” four Golden Isles, Jekyll Island encompasses ten peaceful miles of shoreline. It shines like a classic Southern seacoast community, largely conserved in its natural state. Jekyll boasts a 1,000-acre maritime forest of oaks, cedar, cypress, magnolias, pines, and cabbage palms. The lovely parade of trees forms a lush green canopy over much of the 7-mile- long barrier isle, providing plentiful shade, leafy sanctuaries for birds, and dreamlike vistas in every direction. As a significant site on the Atlantic Migratory Flyway, Jekyll is a hotspot for birdwatchers. Snowy Egrets, Belted Kingfishers, Little Blue Heron, Wood Ducks, and Piping Plovers are among the large numbers of resident and migratory waterfowl. Scrutinize island foliage and treetops to catch glimpses of painted buntings, flame-red cardinals, or juncos. And don’t neglect scanning the skies for gliding kites, swooping ospreys, and hawks hunting their prey.
The stately main building at Georgia Sea Turtle Center has a brick-based mosaic turtle design imbedded in the sidewalk that leads to its entrance.
Unique artistic touches like this upcycled mosaic made entirely of plastic bottle caps add to the visual appeal of the aquarium.
THREE AWESOME SOUTHERN AQUARIUMS
COAST TO COAST MAGAZINE SUMMER 2023 | 22
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