When we first visited Oriente it took us some time to see why we had been told to go there but once we had arrived on the square and could see all the wonderful science based presentations we were more than impressed.
The Oceanarium from the Restaurants
On the first day we discovered the Vasco da Gama Centre, Tower and Bridge and the Cable Car. On our next visit we found places such as the Science Centre, water volcanoes and the gardens. Interestingly, the first thing which had drawn us there was the Oceanarium and we had to come back a third time to see it and we were pleased to discover that there was a generous discount for Seniors. Those who have any difficulty getting around need not worry as each floor is flat and there are a few lifts (elevators) which are easily accessed.
Ramp to the Oceanarium. Floating in front is their mascot – emoji with a snorkel
It was more than an Oceanarium. There are different displays on a regular basis and, at the time we were there, the display was based on ocean refuse and how it affects marine life. It was very well laid out and the write ups easy to follow. It was sad to see how many people just ignored those easy to read and understand messages; simply apathetic.
A Marine Bird
To reach the entrance to the Oceanarium itself was up a long ramp which had statements about ocean pollution written on the roof beams and on the sides of the ramp. At the top was a large exhibition hall with marine animals made of plastic, fishing line, nets and other marine rubbish. My 2 favourites were a fish made of 250 rubber thongs which had been collected over a period of months from SA Cape beaches and an octopus made of nets and plastic. Next to it was a poem on how he would get back at humans.
The Octopus
The Octopus’ Revenge
Fish made of thongs
The Oceanarium itself was magnificent and the 2.5 hours that we spent there was well worth every moment. It is divided into 7 sections, 1 for each of the continents. The marine animals and birds for each continent were presented in as much like their own habitat as possible. It was also very child friendly with low windows and ledges so that the children could see everything.
The Sea Otters were quite delightful swimming up and down and played with each other without a care in the world. In the same section were corals, mussels and algae with lots of explanations on their formations and how they live. In another open area were penguins.
Sea Otters
Corals
In the big tank we saw sharks, rays, turtles and hundreds of fish. What I have always wondered about in these big tanks with the variety of marine life is why the sharks don’t eat the other fish as flat and of the different oceans but the space for the animals is huge. As we moved around there were a lot of small windows showing Seahorses, worms which live and move upright in the sand, a number of types of Jellyfish, starfish and Flat fish.
Penguins on beautiful rock formations
Seahorses
It was a really lovely time spent and some of the best moments were listening to the wonderful happy comments of the little children who had no problem seeing all the displays.
