Aquariums

[MermaidJillianAshley]

Since I get the chance to go to an actual beach thus summer, down in florida, my mom suggested that we find an aquarium, and maybe one that would let me dive. Problem is, how can I tell if an aquarium is humane or not? I don't want to give money to an aquarium that is taboo such as sea world and stuff..

[Sassenach]

You'll probably be better off finding a pool that will allow a mermaid tail. Aquariums might not want a person messing with their tanks or the legal percussions if you get hurt or die on their property. From what I've heard, only a select few allow mermaids, and those are hired professionals.

If you find an aquarium that will accept you, just do a little bit of research. A quick google search and a day at the aquarium will tell you all you need to know.

If not, work out a deal with your local country club or other public pool. That will be much easier than an aquarium.

Good luck!

[MermaidCelesteFL]

If you're trying to scuba dive aquariums, there are some aquariums that allow that and probably have programs for that. I know that Disney has DiveQuest for some heafty sum of money and you can dive the Seas exhibit, but you would be hard pressed to find ANYWHERE that will let you dive in a tail.

[Theobromine]

If you mean that you're hoping to mermaid in an aquarium, Sassenach is correct and there's a whole other thread going on what it takes to mermaid in an aquarium and why most aquariums have very strict requirements for anyone who swims or dives in their tanks. I'll find the link in a minute.

If you're concerned about humane treatment of animals, check to make sure the aquarium (or zoo, for that matter) is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums: https://www.aza.org/ AZA is an organization that inspects, oversees, and certifies zoos and aquariums within the US and some other countries as well. Their standards (for animal care as well as employee and visitor safety) are very stringent and their inspections are rigorous. Zoological institutions that are accredited by AZA show that they can meet these high standards. Being accredited also gives an institution access to all sorts of benefits such as breeding and conservation programs (Species Survival Plans) that actively work toward saving endangered species. And just for the record, AZA accreditation sets a much, much higher standard than the USDA certification that is all that is required for wildlife sanctuaries. Many people think that sanctuaries are better for animals just because of the name, but for the most part sanctuaries aren't held to very high standards and don't get as much funding which means less money available to care for the animals. Trust me, as a former aquarist and zoo keeper, animals in zoos and aquariums get spoiled rotten, they get fresh high-quality varied diets daily (restaurant-quality), enrichment designed to stimulate them and keep them from getting bored, and top-notch medical care from on-site veterinarians. Most zoos and aquariums these days place their focus on education and conservation, not entertainment. Rest assured, those animals have a cushy life :)

[Theobromine]

Here's this other thread discussing mermaiding in aquariums: http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?10480-Convincing-an-aquarium-to-mermaid

[MermaidJillianAshley]

Thanks for all the help, and to clarify I meant just like scuba diving, not in my tail. Sorry about that. But thank you so much Theobromine, thays exactly the info I was looking for 👌😄💙

[Theobromine]

Glad I could be of help :) Some aquariums definitely do offer scuba experiences in their tanks (for money of course). You can just look on their websites to find out. I know one of the ones near where I live offers that (I'm in Washington). They offer a dive experience for certified divers and even a cage dive for people who aren't certified. However, where in Florida will you be? Are you certified? I'm sure you could find places to go for a dive out in the ocean! Let me know if you need help finding dive resources, I'm a divemaster and I'll talk your ear off about diving if you let me (kinda like I do with zoology and conservation) :)

[MermaidJillianAshley]

I'm not certified, and I'll be right around St. Petersburg.

[MermaidJillianAshley]

I was checking it out, and the Florida Aquarium in Tampa seems to be approved. :) the have a thing where I could snorkel with fish (maybe even sharks) not certified for a decent price. :)

[Theobromine]

That sounds like a really good option too! I do HIGHLY recommend getting scuba certified when you get a chance (cuz it's amazing!), but if you don't have the time now, you can also look around for dive shops that offer something called a try dive or resort dive. It's not a certification course, they just give you enough instruction so you can use the equipment in a safe environment with an instructor or divemaster. It gives you a chance to try it out and get a feel for it before committing to the certification course. Some places just do try dives in a pool but some actually do it out in open water. Worth checking out.

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