Let Us Give Thanks for Marine Institutions
Featured Image Credit: Huffington Post
By Guest Writer Caroline Asburn
With the Holiday season kicking into full gear, we find ourselves reflecting on what we are thankful for and what has changed our lives for the better.
For these individuals, including myself, marine mammals have ultimately affected us in very positive ways.
Going to marine parks and aquariums has inspired us all to make a difference in the natural world and care deeper for every creature. This is, after all, the purpose of these facilities and others like it.
“Mystic Aquarium is the facility that inspired my love for animals. It was visits to Mystic when I was 3, 4 and 5 years old that introduced me to dolphins and the concept of marine mammal training. When I was 9, it was a visit to Mystic that rekindled my innate love for all things marine life. I first had the opportunity to interact with a marine mammal at the underwater viewing area and later in a hands-on encounter. Mystic continued to nurture my love for marine animals and now I’m able to give back by joining Mystic’s team as a volunteer. Mystic has amazing facilities and a fantastic and dedicated team. The work they do in research, education, and rescue and rehabilitation is top-notch, and often used as an example and reference for others. It is to Mystic that I owe my passion, my drive, and ultimately my career choice and my life. For that I want to just say THANK YOU Mystic, for all that you’ve done for me and all that you will do – it’s been amazing!” – Hannah
“Growing up, I’ve visited aquariums and zoos all over the southeast. But this Thanksgiving, I’m thankful for one facility in particular: Georgia Aquarium. Even though I’ve only been a regular visitor for less than a year, words can’t describe how much this facility has changed me in such a short amount of time. There’s something magical about being inches away from an animal. You discover that they’re bigger than you imagined, that you can hear them vocalizing through the glass, and that their eyes are capable of conveying the silliest of emotions. In other words, I’ve been introduced to an entirely new world by thirteen bottlenose dolphins and four beluga whales. Because of Georgia Aquarium, I’ve formed friendships with incredibly passionate people, bonds with breathtaking animals, and dreams that will drive me through any obstacle I might encounter; and for that, I will forever be grateful.” – Gabby B.
“I am so thankful for everyone at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, from the staff to the animals. Each of them as individual beings has impacted my life in so many different ways. The animals have taught me to be crazy, outgoing, to never give up, and that it’s okay to be myself. The staff there is amazing and I couldn’t ask for better role models. Everyone there, especially the trainers, is very welcoming, down to earth, knowledgeable, kind and always willing to go out of their way to make sure that I am having an amazing time. I will always be thankful for the countless opportunities that I have been given, the amazing influences that are now in my life, and knowing that someone always has my back.” –Shana K.
“I am thankful for Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City Beach, Florida. Gulf World works with the Stranding Network in Florida and does some amazing work with stranded animals such as helping to save turtles, dolphins and even whales. Gulf World also provides a permanent home for some of these non-releasable animals. In addition to the excellent care they provide for their animals, the Gulf World staff are some of the nicest and most welcoming people I have ever met, and I am proud to call them part of my family. During my internship in the summer of 2013, I learned more from them than I ever could have imagined, from taking care of dolphins every day to watching a dolphin calf being born. Finally, if it wasn’t for Gulf World, I would have never met Brinnon, the dolphin who reminds me every day that working in animal care is what I want to do for the rest of my life. My summer internship at Gulf World was the best summer of my life and I will always be thankful for that.” – Renee V.
“Being a marine mammal trainer is the career path I’ve chosen to pursue because I was inspired by SeaWorld to want to make a difference in the lives of people and animals. I’m incredibly grateful to have facilities such as SeaWorld to provide hope, wonder, knowledge, and joy to people of all ages. SeaWorld is a major influence in my life and it has motivated me to become more involved in learning about and preserving our oceans and the creatures they hold. Not only that, but it has also sparked my interest in animal behavior and has allowed me to see the uniqueness of every species and why it’s important to protect them. I deeply appreciate SeaWorld’s efforts on protecting and educating people about ocean life and marine animals.” – Lucy K.
“SeaWorld San Diego has affected my life in such a positive way. SeaWorld has taught me so much about these amazing animals, and they are still teaching me new things each time I go. I learned how important it is to care for our oceans, our land and our world. Seeing animals up close inspired me to care more. SeaWorld taught me to conserve water and electricity and to make recycling a part of my daily life. Without this amazing opportunity I get with going a few days each month, I wouldn’t be the person I am today, who is passionate for animals and our oceans.” – Maddy S.
“I am not only thankful for the Georgia Aquarium, but the animals that call it home. Because of it, I have come face-to-face with beluga whales, dolphins, otters and penguins on a personal level and been inspired by watching amazing giants such as whale sharks and manta rays. My knowledge on both their and many other’s conservation initiatives has grown greatly due to being able to get close with these fascinating animals. They have shown me how every animal is a true indivual and filled my heart with pure joy and passion. There is no feeling like having your favorite dolphin come over just because she recognizes you and chooses to be with you. Because of the Georgia Aquarium and these animals, I’ve been given great opportunities, inspiration and a forever dolphriend.” – Caroline Ashburn
