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ROOKERY BAY

Interactive Marine Life

Exhibit Unveiled

R ookery Bay 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 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 to cover
the filtration components. 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, our
The new exhibit includes a partitioned, state- mangrove forests and estuarine waters. The more
of-the-art flow-through system, which improves engaged our community members and visitors are, the more likely we are to
water quality and enables visitors to interact with appreciate, enjoy and protect this remarkable ecosystem for future generations,”
animals throughout the day. The imaginative, said Laakkonen.
Florida west coast-themed tank has live sand on The Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center is open Monday through
the bottom and view-through windows along the Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for youth 6 to 12, and free
side, adding opportunities for guests to observe for Friends of Rookery Bay members and children under 6. The Environmental
the diversity of species in the exhibit from Learning Center is located at 300 Tower Road, off Collier Boulevard between
different angles. Naples and Marco Island.

64 Life in Naples | May • June • July 2017