[ SUNDAY TRAVEL ]
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Children get Pua glides across Pirates' Lagoon, her wings spread wide like a bird in flight. A waterborne ballerina, she circles, twirls and spins in a mesmerizing dance with half a dozen equally graceful partners.
sea critter savvy
Hands-on programs abound
for kids of all ages at Sea Life Park
By Cheryl Chee Tsutsumi
Special to the Star-BulletinGeoffrey Yee, 12, watches the stingrays' every move from the edge of the lagoon. "They're neat," he assesses, "but kinda scary, too." He's not quite sure he wants to get in the water with them.
About 20 minutes later, though, the Punahou sixth-grader is standing among Pua and her friends, gently touching and talking to them. "Their skin feels like really soft, smooth rubber," he says.
"Their upper side is more sensitive and if you accidentally push down too hard on it, they're going to swim away and won't come back."
Now that Geoffrey is learning about stingrays, they're not so scary anymore.
The Hawaiian Ray Encounter is one of the highlights of Sea Life Park Hawaii's three-hour Keiki Aquarist program, geared toward kids ages 6 through 12. During this activity-filled morning session, the young aquarists also visit the Sea Turtle Lagoon, a breeding ground for the endangered honu; see the Stingray Ballet show; play with sea urchins, starfish and other marine creatures in the Discovery Pool; and study the Rocky Shores exhibit, which provides fascinating above- and below-water looks at Hawaii's wave-swept intertidal zone.
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Participants receive a workbook that includes interesting facts about stingrays and sea turtles, glossaries of words familiar to marine biologists and illustrations of fish anatomy. They're encouraged to complete the readings, drawings, puzzles and journal entries in the workbook to enhance their hands-on activities.Keiki Aquarist is one of six educational children's programs that complement Sea Life Park's regular menu of exhibits, experiences and shows. They offer fun, creative ways for keiki ages 1 through 15 to learn about the vast Pacific.
"Many of the kids come not knowing too much about the ocean or its inhabitants," says education associate LeeAnn Morikami, who leads many of the programs. "They're thrilled to see the dolphins, stingrays, fish, turtles and other marine life close up; often, it's the very first time they've been able to do this. Before long, they're asking all kinds of questions, and they're so excited they can't wait to get to the next exhibit or activity. Their interest and enthusiasm about learning make the sessions really enjoyable for those of us who are leading the groups, too."
All of the children's programs involve marine animals in one way or another. Mike Osborn, Sea Life Park's assistant curator, is responsible for designing safe, enriching experiences between the animals and guests. He says, "Such interaction is valuable for kids because it helps them to develop an appreciation for the ocean and it teaches them the importance of conservation of resources. Some of these animals are endangered, threatened or could possibly become extinct if we do not take care of their environment."
Sea Life Park's other special children's options are:
>> Junior Trainer Program (ages 9 to 15). This daylong adventure allows kids to work behind the scenes at Sea Life Park. They'll learn about the park's training philosophy; assist the staff with their chores; and participate in the popular Splash U interactive program where they'll touch, feed and learn the signals trainers use to communicate with the dolphins. The program also includes three shows; lunch; meetings with park trainers; and a booklet containing information about dolphin training, marine/maritime careers and the steps one must take to become a marine mammal trainer.For some youngsters, these programs wind up being much more than amusement. Notes Osborn, "I've interviewed hundreds of candidates for jobs at Sea Life Park who want to learn about marine mammals and the environments they come from. The majority of these applicants first became interested in this field when they visited an oceanarium or marine life park as a child.">> Moonlight Tour (ages 4 and up). A whole new world unfolds at Sea Life Park when the sun sets and the moon rises. The 90-minute excursion begins with a self-guided tour of the park. Following that, you'll meet your guide who'll explain the nocturnal activities of dolphins, sea lions, seabirds and Hawaiian monk seals. Bring a flashlight and a jacket.
>> Preschool Pirates (ages 1 to 5; each child must be accompanied by an adult). Avast, mates! Settle your toddler in a stroller and get ready to embark on an entertaining 90-minute journey highlighted by a treasure hunt; a craft activity; games; a show; and visits with turtles, penguins, sea lions and other creatures.
>> Doze with the Dolphins (ages 6 and up). This overnight stay features a scavenger hunt, puzzles, crafts, and a talk by a staff trainer about dolphin behavior and training. You'll also help feed the sea lions, turtles and residents of the 300,000-gallon Hawaiian Reef Aquarium. Bring a sleeping bag or tent and hunker down next to the dolphin pool or on a meadow under the stars. Evening snacks, a continental breakfast and park admission the next day are provided.
>> Camp Sea Life Park (ages 6 to 12). Each of this summer camp's weekly four-hour programs focuses on the care, behaviors and life cycle of a different animal. An interactive component is always included; for example, if the subject is seabirds, kids spend time in the Bird Rehabilitation Center, learning about the care the park's staff gives to sick and wounded birds. They also enjoy lunch, crafts, a Sea Life Park Hawaii T-shirt and an activity book.
Cheryl Chee Tsutsumi is a Honolulu-based free-lance writer.
Address: 41-202 Kalanianaole Highway, Waimanalo, HI 96795 Sea Life Park
Kids Education Programs
Call: Community Programs Department, 259-2512, to make reservations for the programs described in this story. The schedule and times of each program vary. Please note programs are subject to change.
Cost: $7 to $130 per child
Web site: www.go-atlantis.com