Sea World!

Today was the day I took Mette to Sea World.  While she may have seen most of the zoo animals in their natural habitat, she has certainly not seen the likes of Shamu!  If you are a native San Diegan, then you probably love Sea World as much as I do.  Did any of you ever dream to be a trainer of Shamu or the dolphins?  I think there is still a wee part of me that says “When I grow up…”

Suffice to say, it was a perfect day at Sea World today.  It’s mid-January, it was in the low 80′s, the sun was shining and it was Tuesday.  There were not enough people at the park to fill even the dolphin show stadium.  There were moments when we were walking through the park and there was literally no one else we could see!  It was awesome!

Of course we had to do and see everything!  We fed the dolphins and the bat rays, watched both Shamu shows and the dolphin show, visited the sea lions, sharks, penguins, polar bears and beluga whales. We even stopped to feed the flamingoes, but they were too slow for the hungry ducks.

As much as I love my dolphins (I love love love the dolphins), I have a new appreciation for the bat rays.  I was first amazed with how smooth and gentle they are.  And they are very curious creatures.  There is also a stall at the bat ray enclosure where you can buy a tray of squid and feed the rays.  I had to try it.  Admittedly, it’s not as easy as feeding dolphins. You have to squeeze the squid in between to of your fingers, submerge your hand in water and let the ray swim over your hand and suck it into their mouth.  My first attempt was a success, but it completely freaked me out, as my hand wasn’t deep enough in the water and the ray’s suction noise was really loud!  I thought he was going to eat my fingers!

After the second and third time, I got the hang of it.  And I was more comfortable to pet them.  They have a similar feel of a dolphin, but softer and more slimy!  Yet, I was so intrigued by their behavior and kind nature, I didn’t care so much about the slime.

With so few guests at the park today, we had ample time to pet and play with the bat rays and to take some pictures.  I sort of fell in love with these creatures and will look forward to feeding them again on my next visit to Sea World.

Once again, I have to say it – gorgeous day in America’s Finest City! ;p