Auntie Sunny Comes to Visit: Clearwater Marine Aquarium

An ABSOLUTE must for Auntie Sunny's visit was visiting the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.  You and I had visited once before with Mimi and Papa and weren't too terribly impressed.  And now I know why...  We TOTALLY missed one whole, awesome building when Mimi and Papa were in town.  Luckily, Auntie Sunny had done her homework.  It was important to visit because of Winter the Dolphin.  Winter has a limb difference, like our Christian Boy.... Which makes it more of a limb "likeness."  Haha!  The first building was great... it had lots games and stations to see what had happened to Winter. We certainly enjoyed our time in this area of the aquarium. 

 

 When we were done at the first building, we hopped on a trolly that took us to Winter's home.  Now, he shares a home with several other animals like sea turtles, otters, other dolphins, etc... who are doing their own rehabilitation from being injured.  Many of the animals are injured because of the human's race complete lack of consideration.  *Sigh.*  They said that the otters that were there were found in parking lots... far from their natural habitat.  The only reason they were there--in parking lots-- was because people had tried to make them their pets but quickly gave up and didn't take the proper measures to give them up, which nearly killed these poor creatures.  So sad!  So rule #1 for animals-- Don't get a pet without fully understanding what measure of care will be required for the given animal.  Think HARD about whether or not you can handle the demands of caring for such an animal.  Look beyond its "cuteness" and ask yourself, "Will I ALWAYS be able to take care of this animal?  Who will feed/walk/play with my pet while I stay the night at my friends house?  Or, will this pet seem more like an interference?"   Be fair to your animals, okay?  I haven't always been the best at really caring and loving my animals... and I regret it.

Anyways, trolly pictures:

 

Winter's house was packed with people... which overwhelmed us.  We barely caught a glimpse of Winter and we left a little disappointed.  But all the same, we made memories and I certainly remember enjoying this part of our adventure.

Thanks for being a part of it.

Love you,

Mom