Kissed by a Walrus and MORE!

Our third visit to SeaWorld was one that was the most unique.

Both sons and their families were promised a day at our new favorite park. Today was spent with our younger son and his sweet family. We could not have chosen a better day, one of no crowds, warm sunshine, and unforgettable opportunities.

We were given the very incredible pinch me opportunity to go behind-the-scenes for three once-in-a-lifetime up-close encounters. The first being with this big guy, Dozer.

"Come face-to-whiskers with one of the largest members of the pinniped family, the walrus. During this one-of-a-kind experience, an animal care specialist will teach you about each walrus, their unique personalities, and how they are cared for each day."

Walruses inhabit the Arctic Sea, both Pacific and Atlantic. Most walruses live where the air temperature is about 5° to 41°F. They are very distinctive having a large body that is usually reddish-brown in color. On their head region, walruses lack external ear flaps, have hundreds of short, vibrissae (whiskers) and possess large tusks. They feed mostly on clams, but also enjoy sea snails, sea cucumbers, squids, and crabs.

We were given the opportunity to actually feed Dozer and truly get up-close.

Yes, he was a true gentleman and kissed my hand. The suction from the kiss is really difficult to describe. I'm so glad I didn't miss this.

We were all so surprised at his sweet disposition. We learned so much.

Next we found ourselves in the Beluga habitat with the gentle Oliver. Not only did we get to feed and pet him but my granddaughter was taught commands that showcased his many talents... one of which was quacking just like a duck. Magical.

Beluga whales are entirely arctic and subarctic. They inhabit the Arctic Ocean and its adjoining seas. During certain times of the year they are also found in large rivers. A beluga’s melon is a rounded structure on the dorsal surface of a whale's head, just in front of the blowhole. The melon probably facilitates sound production. It changes shape when the whale is producing sounds. Aside from the narwhal (another arctic species), beluga whales are the only other member of the Monodontidae whale family.

Our final up-close encounter was at the Wild Arctic home to playful southern sea otters rescued and rehabilitated by the team at SeaWorld. The California population of sea otters is less than 2,800 animals and is listed as Threatened by the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service. SeaWorld has a long history of helping otters in distress. These sea otters were initially stranded and rescued as part of the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Sea Otter Research and Conservation program.

California sea otters are found exclusively along the coast of central California. Lacking an insulating blubber layer, these otters are covered in dense, luxurious fur that keeps them warm. In fact, they have the densest fur of any mammal with up to 1,000,000 hairs per square inch. Playful and adorable... the perfect intimate encounter conclusion.

We paused briefly for a manicure at Explorer’s Reef, a series of touch pools. I so wanted to take my boots off and get a pedicure, too, but the Animal Care Ambassador said no!

I am always intrigued by the sharks and what a better way to experience them than being surrounded. What a rare, fascinating, up-close look at prehistoric predators whose ancestors dominated the sea more than a hundred million years before dinosaurs walked the earth.

A first for me was a visit to Turtle Reef. WOW.

Various species of sea turtles are found in warm and temperate seas throughout the world. Six of the seven species of sea turtles found in the world are classified as threatened or endangered, mostly due to human actions such as entanglement, coastal development and pollution. Adults of most species are found in shallow, coastal waters, bays, lagoons, and estuaries. Some also venture into the open sea. Juveniles of some species may be found in bays and estuaries, as well as at sea. The largest sea turtle is the leatherback, which can grow up to six feet long.

We ended our day at the Orca Encounter to "connect in a whole new way with the ocean's most powerful predator. See orcas in the first experience of its kind. Dive deeper into the orcas masterful hunting techniques and complex communication codes. Learn about the role of family, the importance of play and what we learn from the whales in our care every day is actively helping whales in the wild survive. Witness natural orca behaviors while an expansive infinity screen brings their story to life. Leave with a deeper connection to one of the sea’s mightiest, most magnificent animals."

We were at the park for 7 hours, walking 5.57 miles (which is astonishing for a 3 and 5 year old). We went on every ride where the height requirement was met... multiple times. Steve and his boy rode amazing rollercoasters and ended up hoarse from all the screaming. We saw every show and visited most of the exhibits. We did all we could do in the time that we had. It was a truly perfect first visit for our daughter-in-law and our grandchildren. I'm really loving SeaWorld.

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HAERR TRIPPIN'

Kissed by a Walrus and MORE!

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