Coral World Ocean Park, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islandstag:coralworldvi.com,2008://12008-08-10T12:39:07ZMovable Type 3.35WOW! Weekly Ocean Wonders Blog Launchedtag:coralworldvi.com,2008://1.512008-07-28T13:07:37Z2008-08-10T12:39:07ZCoral World has just launched a new blog entitled WOW! Weekly Ocean Wonders. Each week will bring new and exciting videos and photos featuring different inhabitants of the park....kittyWOW! Weekly Ocean Wonders. Each week will bring new and exciting videos and photos featuring different inhabitants of the park.]]>
This week our sea lion trainers gave us a closer look at enrichment and one of their newest talents, painting! Enrichment is part of our daily training for our sea lions at Coral World. The purpose of enrichment is to keep their minds active so that they are constantly learning new things. Just like someone who goes to the same job every day, the sea lions appreciate a little variety in their lives to keep things from becoming monotonous. Sea lion enrichment can vary from ice toys, toy play, painting, and hide and seek. By keeping the activities spontaneous and varied they will benefit from the activities even more and not become bored with the same game or enrichment activity every day.
Spread Your Words, New Message Board!tag:coralworldvi.com,2008://1.502008-07-22T13:55:50Z2008-07-22T14:06:20ZIn an effort to increase the communication between past and future guests of Coral World a message board is now available for all to share their experiences....kitty
In an effort to increase the communication between past and future guests of Coral World a message board is now available for all to share their experiences.
start sharing!]]>
Coral World Introduces New Tourstag:coralworldvi.com,2008://1.492008-05-21T14:30:32Z2008-05-21T14:31:58ZCoral World has added two new water adventures -- Snuba™ and Power Snorkeling -- to its array of activities. Park President and General Manager Trudie Prior said, “We are very excited to offer our guests the opportunity to view the...kitty
Coral World has added two new water adventures -- Snuba™ and Power Snorkeling -- to its array of activities. Park President and General Manager Trudie Prior said, “We are very excited to offer our guests the opportunity to view the beautiful undersea environment of the Virgin Islands in new ways.” Prior said, “In the last two years we have invested in making the park more interactive because we have found that many visitors to the Virgin Islands no longer want to be just spectators.”
Ms. Prior also noted that the Virgin Islands attract a large number of repeat visitors requiring attractions like Coral World to offer new activities to encourage visitors to come again.
In Snuba™, the swimmer uses the swimfins, diving mask, weights, and breathing apparatus commonly used in scuba diving, but the air tanks that are usually strapped to the back rest on rafts that remain on the water's surface. Snuba diving is a popular activity in tropical tourist areas because it is easy to learn and does not require certification. Each participant is physically connected to the raft by an air hose. The raft has handles around its perimeter, giving swimmers the option to hold onto the raft while staying with the group. Each group of Snuba™ divers receives an orientation in the use of the equipment and safety procedures before entering the water near Coral World’s Undersea Observatory. A Snuba™ trained guide leads a maximum of four divers on a tour of the beautiful coral reefs in the vicinity of the Undersea Observatory.
Power Snorkeling is snorkeling with some added zip. Safe, fun and environmentally friendly, a motorized handheld unit gives the user a new level of mobility and adventure. Participants can free dive for a closer look at marine life or stay near the surface as their guide leads them on an exploration of the area around Coral World’s Undersea Observatory.
These new adventures join several other interactive opportunities Coral World has added to its offerings since its reopening in 1998. The first was the Sea Trek Helmet Dive, which opened at Coral World in 2001. In 2006, Coral World launched the Shark Encounter program designed to put guests in close contact with juvenile sharks in the Shark Shallows Pool. It also opened the Lorikeet Garden where guests can enter the habitat and feed these incredibly sociable and amusing birds.
In 2007, Coral World added a swim with sea lions program. Two of the four South American sea lions that live at Coral World give presentations, twice a day except Fridays, in the Marine Gardens so visitors who do not wish to swim with them can still appreciate the amazing intelligence and agility of these magnificent animals. Recently, Coral World also began offering Turtle Encounters to allow visitors to get up close and personal with two of the rescued, non-releasable green sea turtles that are permanent residents at the park.
For more information, please contact:
Valerie Peters or Kitty Edwards
Coral World Marketing Department
marketing@coralworldvi.com
(340) 775-1555 ext. 246
Coral World Announces Summer Scheduletag:coralworldvi.com,2008://1.482008-05-21T14:26:29Z2008-06-14T11:39:50ZCoral World has announced that starting May 15th summer hours and rates will be in effect....kitty
Coral World has announced that starting May 15th summer hours and rates will be in effect.
email us or call 340-775-1555 ext. 247.
For reservations you may call ext. 233.]]>
Coral World Honors Motherstag:coralworldvi.com,2008://1.472008-04-27T14:22:16Z2008-05-11T14:10:59ZOn Sunday, May 11th, Coral World will honor mothers and grandmothers with a special Mother’s Day promotion. Coral World invites all children to bring their mothers and grandmothers to visit the park at a 50% discount. Children must accompany their...kitty
On Sunday, May 11th, Coral World will honor mothers and grandmothers with a special Mother’s Day promotion. Coral World invites all children to bring their mothers and grandmothers to visit the park at a 50% discount. Children must accompany their mothers or grandmothers for the discount.
“Coral World appeals to people of all ages, so it’s ideal for a family outing on Mother’s Day. With our special promotion, we want to encourage families to spend their Mother’s Day here,” explains Trudie Prior, Coral World’s General Manager. The park’s two cafes will be open for lunch, serving sandwiches, salads, burgers, pizza, frozen drinks and ice cream. There are feedings and talks throughout the day starting at 9:45am. The very popular sea lion presentations will take place at 11:20 am and 2:00 pm. Children can treat their mothers to a cup of nectar to feed the sociable lorikeets for $3.00 a cup. Admission to Coral World is $19 for adults and $10 for children ages 3-12. The local discount for Virgin Island residents with ID is $9 for adults and $5 for children ages 3-12. There is no charge for children under 3 years old. The park is open from 9:00 am-5:00 pm. (The Ticket Booth closes at 4:00pm.) For more information, please call 775-1555 ext. 247. Or, if you would like to make reservations for one of Coral World’s added attractions like the Sea Lion Swim, Sea Trek, Snuba or Power Snorkeling, please call 775-1555 ext. 233.
For further information contact:
Valerie Peters or Kitty Edwards
Coral World Marketing Department
(340) 775-1555 ext. 246
Earth Day Celebrationstag:coralworldvi.com,2008://1.462008-04-15T16:02:04Z2008-04-15T20:08:33ZOn Tuesday, April 22nd come to Coral World Ocean Park to celebrate Earth Day....kitty
On Tuesday, April 22nd come to Coral World Ocean Park to celebrate Earth Day.
Fish and Wildlife’s Aquatic Education program which will be on display in the Blue Water Terrace.
The goal of the Environmental Education Program is to provide information to the public on the importance of our natural resources, including our fish, wildlife, their habitats and pressing environmental issues so that you may make informed decisions about our local environment.
Coral World is open from 9AM to 5PM and the ticket booth closes one hour prior to closing. Fun and interactive feeding presentations begin at 9:40AM and continue throughout the day. ]]>
Coral World Awarded Best Local Tourtag:coralworldvi.com,2008://1.432008-03-20T14:20:12Z2008-04-02T13:13:36ZReaders of the Virgin Islands Daily News have voted Coral World Ocean Park as the Best Local Tour for 2008....kitty
Readers of the Virgin Islands Daily News have voted Coral World Ocean Park as the Best Local Tour for 2008.
]]>
Coral World Rehabilitates and Releases Sea Turtle Hatchlingstag:www.coralworldstthomas.com,2008://1.392008-03-01T17:31:48Z2008-03-21T18:43:37ZSt. Thomas, USVI February 15, 2008 – As part of its rescue and rehabilitation program, Coral World released four Green Sea Turtle hatchlings along the west side of Hawk’s Nest Bay, St. John on Valentine’s Day....kitty
St. Thomas, USVI February 15, 2008 – As part of its rescue and rehabilitation program, Coral World released four Green Sea Turtle hatchlings along the west side of Hawk’s Nest Bay, St. John on Valentine’s Day.]]>
Thirty-five guests of the Ritz Carlton accompanied the hatchlings and two Coral World staff members aboard Ritz Carlton’s flagship, the Lady Lynsey, to participate in the release and to learn about the threatened Green Sea Turtles.
“The turtle release aboard the Lady Lynsey is a great example of local businesses working together for the betterment of the community and the environment. For our guests, it’s an opportunity to learn about the animals and the environment around them and the impact they have on our land and our waters,” said Marc Langevin, General Manager of Ritz Carlton.
Three of the hatchlings were found in the Sapphire Beach Marina and the fourth hatchling on Coki Beach by concerned citizens and brought to Coral World in December 2007 for rehabilitation. The hatchlings were dehydrated, tired and disoriented. In their 45 days of rehabilitation, the hatchlings have quadrupled in size, weighing between 2.0 and 2.8 ounces on their release date.
Dr. William Coles, Endangered Species Coordinator for the Division of Fish and Wildlife noted, “45 days is mandated by law as the maximum number of days allowed for rehabilitation, unless there’s extenuating circumstances. The four hatchlings released on Valentine’s Day looked great!”
On average, Green Sea Turtles lay 135 eggs per nest. Most of these will hatch and emerge from the nest under the cover of nightfall and make their way to the ocean using different environmental cues such as the vibration of the waves hitting the ocean floor and the reflection of the moon off the water. Hatchlings have a 24-48 hour energy stored in a yolk sack from the time they hatch to the time they get into the ocean and past the breaking waves. After this energy store is used, they will have to pursue food on their own.
“Hawk’s Nest Bay, St. John is a great location for the hatchlings to get a start on their new life,” stated Peter Noah, Vice President and General Curator of Coral World. “It’s already a turtle nesting site and a safe location for release. It also has plenty of food and cover to give the hatchlings the best chance for survival.”
The public can help to ensure healthy hatchlings in their natural environment by keeping beach lighting to a minimum, removing trash from the beach so as not to impede the hatchlings’ pathway to the ocean, and leaving healthy hatchlings alone in their natural environment.
Coral World has been doing turtle rehabilitation since it reopened in 1997 as part of its mission to educate, entertain and inspire appreciation for the Caribbean marine environment.
Environmental Research on Juvenile Reef Sharkstag:www.coralworldstthomas.com,2008://1.422008-03-01T15:57:38Z2008-03-21T18:44:24ZSt. Thomas, USVI October 26, 2007 – As part of a community footprints effort, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas partnered with Coral World on Friday, October 26 for a shark tagging expedition....kitty
St. Thomas, USVI October 26, 2007 – As part of a community footprints effort, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas partnered with Coral World on Friday, October 26 for a shark tagging expedition.
ABOUT CORAL WORLD
The mission of Coral World is to entertain, to educate and to inspire appreciation for the Caribbean marine environment and the beautiful plants and trees of the Virgin Islands.
ABOUT THE RITZ-CARLTON, ST. THOMAS
Overlooking the turquoise waters of Great Bay, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas is a secluded hideaway on a 30-acre beachfront estate with breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea and neighboring islands. As part of the recent $40 million renovation, the resort offers a variety of luxurious amenities including lavishly designed presidential suites and guest rooms; four distinctive ocean-front dining choices; the first Prada Spa experience in the Caribbean; a 53’ luxury catamaran, the Lady Lynsey; and for those visiting by sea, the resort offers moorings, allowing guests to access this ultimate lifestyle destination by sea or air. The acclaimed resort continues to garner distinguished accolades from top publications such as Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure.
For further information and reservations, please call (800) 241-3333, access the web site at www.ritzcarlton.com or contact a travel professional. ]]>
Loggerhead Rehabilitated & Releasedtag:www.coralworldstthomas.com,2008://1.412008-02-28T21:04:54Z2008-03-21T18:44:55ZOn March 20th, 2007 Coral World returned a rare loggerhead sea turtle to the ocean after ensuring that the animal was in good health and able to fend for itself. The release occurred within days of the release of Zada,...kitty
On March 20th, 2007 Coral World returned a rare loggerhead sea turtle to the ocean after ensuring that the animal was in good health and able to fend for itself. The release occurred within days of the release of Zada, a large green sea turtle, also rehabilitated at Coral World.
Coral World’s Vice President of Operations Peter Noah observed, “We are receiving more frequent calls to assist with the rehabilitation of large sea turtles. Having two such large turtles at Coral World simultaneously is a strain on our current rehabilitation capacity and staff resources, but we are the only facility in the region able to care for these animals until they can be released.”
Local fisherman spotted a very large loggerhead turtle behaving strangely in the water between St. Thomas and St. Croix. With the assistance of DPNR, the local fisherman transported the turtle to Red Hook on St. Thomas where Coral World Marine Operations staff took over. According to Noah, “Although the animal did not have any visible signs of injury, there was some question whether he/she could dive , which a turtle must do to forage for food.”
The loggerhead joined Zada, a large green sea turtle that had been in Coral World’s care for nearly three months following amputation of a flipper. Fortunately, the loggerhead’s stay at Coral World lasted only a week. Coral World staff provided hydration and closely monitored the loggerhead to make sure it was eating properly and able to dive. Loggerheads are the most commonly seen turtle in Florida but are very rarely seen around the Virgin Islands.
Noah stated, “Coral World has been planning an expansion of its rehabilitation facilities. Our goal is to be able to provide a temporary home, and in some cases a permanent home, to stranded marine mammals, injured sea turtles and other marine animals.” According to Noah, such a facility would create an exceptional opportunity for scientific research and public education.
Sea Lions Splash Down At Coral World Ocean Parktag:www.coralworldstthomas.com,2008://1.332008-02-27T19:49:05Z2008-03-21T18:45:48ZSt. Thomas, USVI April 30, 2007 - On April 20, 2007, Coral World welcomed four male South American Sea Lions to its facility at Coki Point....
St. Thomas, USVI April 30, 2007 - On April 20, 2007, Coral World welcomed four male South American Sea Lions to its facility at Coki Point.]]>
Romulo, Remo, Omar, and Franco, were tired but healthy after their 86-hour trip from the International Sea Lion Search and Rescue facility in Koh Samui, Thailand, where they have lived for the last two years. Although a little nervous about their new surroundings, they seemed pleased at the opportunity to dive into their specially constructed pool at the rear of Coral World and take their first swim in the Virgin Islands.
Coral World personnel accompanied by staff from the Division of Fish and Wildlife and the Department of Agriculture, met the sea lions at Cyril E. King Airport in the late afternoon. Jeff Foster, Director of Special Projects at Coral World, and Dr. Ted Hammond, a marine mammal veterinarian and founder of International Sea Lion Search and Rescue, accompanied the animals on their long journey. Mr. Foster stated, "Despite the long hours in their crates first on a truck from Koh Samui to Bangkok, and then on airplanes, the animals came through with flying colors."
Although these sea lions are not native to the Virgin Islands, they are completely adjusted to the climate and water temperatures in the Virgin Islands because of the time they spent in Thailand. Caribbean monk seals, the closest relatives to the sea lions that once inhabited local waters, have been considered extinct for over 50 years. General Manager Trudie Prior observed, "Most people in the Virgin Islands have never seen a seal or sea lion up close. The new sea lion encounter at Coral World presents a wonderful opportunity for local residents and visitors to experience the intelligence and amazing agility of these animals."
Male South American Sea Lions can weigh up to 700 pounds and have deep brown fur on their backs with a lighter brown color on their chests. They are much mellower than the more commonly known California sea lion, according to Coral World Vice President of Operations, Peter Noah. Mr. Noah said, "In contrast to California sea lions, the South American sea lion is much more comfortable working around humans. I really love the way they roar like a lion rather than bark like the California sea lion."
Romulo, Remo, Omar, and Franco originally came from Uruguay where Dr. Hammond selected them from among a group of forty sea lion pups culled by the Government of Uruguay. South American sea lions were under threat in Uruguay as local fishermen called for a cull of their numbers. The fishermen argued that the fur seals and sea lions were destroying their nets and stealing their catch. Under pressure from conservation groups, the Government of Uruguay has now ceased culling of sea lions.
Dr. Hammond transported these four sea lions to Thailand where he began their training for search and rescue missions. They also learned many comical and amusing behaviors, which are part of the environmental enrichment the sea lions need now that they no longer are occupied with survival activities. This training will continue at Coral World and sometime in May or June Coral World will begin to invite small groups of visitors to interact with the sea lions. During an educational briefing, participants will learn about various topics including sea lion habitat, feeding habits, predation, reproductive biology, threats to longevity, and conservation. Following the orientation, participants will have an opportunity to see a demonstration of behaviors by the sea lions and then swim with them.
The National Marine Fisheries Service and the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources - Division of Fish and Wildlife granted Coral World the necessary permits to import the four sea lions because the animals were being maintained in a substandard facility that was about to close. Both agencies also recognized the potential for education and research that these animals present for the Virgin Islands. According to Jeff Foster, "National Marine Fisheries Service is especially excited about the prospect of establishing a marine mammal stranding center in the U.S. Virgin Islands. NMFS understands that we have to be able to justify the cost of constructing such a facility. The sea lions are an essential first step to support Coral World's participation."
Stingray Born At Coral World's Animal Hospitaltag:www.coralworldstthomas.com,2008://1.302008-02-27T10:26:14Z2008-03-21T18:46:30ZSt. Thomas, USVI January 29, 2007 - When Coral World senior aquarist, Glen Stoutt, made his rounds last Saturday at Coral World's new marine animal hospital, he was thrilled at what he found....
St. Thomas, USVI January 29, 2007 - When Coral World senior aquarist, Glen Stoutt, made his rounds last Saturday at Coral World's new marine animal hospital, he was thrilled at what he found.]]>
The stingray pup, measuring approximately 8 inches from wing tip to wing tip, is healthy and doing very well, according to Peter Noah, Coral World's Vice President of Operations. "We are feeding him shrimp, clams and small bits of fish and just giving this little guy a lot of special attention," he said. While it's still too early to determine the sex of the stingray, the pup has been named "Hatch" after a stingray character in the Sea Tails line of children's clothing which will soon be for sale in the Coral World gift shop.
Southern stingrays are found throughout the Caribbean in shallow coastal habitats with sandy bottoms. They graze on the sandy ocean floor feeding on crustaceans and mollusks which they uncover from the sand by flapping their wings. Like their shark cousins, stingrays hatch from egg capsules inside the mother's uterus and are born soon afterwards. An adult Southern stingray will grow as big as 80 inches and weigh 215 pounds. The Southern stingray is not aggressive towards humans, however, it may use its spine for defense if stepped on.
Coral World's marine animal hospital was designed to hold injured turtles, stranded marine mammals and other sea life in need of special care. "The hospital pool provided the ideal environment for the mother stingray to pup," said Noah. "This facility is not only a great asset to Coral World but also an incredible resource for the entire region," he said. "It is the only marine animal hospital of its kind in the Eastern Caribbean."
Visitors to Coral World can catch a glimpse of "Hatch" swimming and burrowing in the sand at the park's Touch Pool. Eventually he will be moved to the Stingray Lagoon exhibit with a group of other juvenile stingrays.]]>
Coral World Announces Opening of New Bird Exhibittag:www.coralworldstthomas.com,2008://1.322008-02-27T10:21:02Z2008-03-21T18:47:11ZSt. Thomas, USVI December 15, 2006 - Coral World is pleased to announce the opening of the Lorikeet Garden....
St. Thomas, USVI December 15, 2006 - Coral World is pleased to announce the opening of the Lorikeet Garden.]]>
The Lorikeet Garden is the biggest exhibit to be added to Coral World since the park re-opened in 1998. A ribbon cutting will take place at Coral World on Tuesday, December 19th at 9:00 am. The exhibit will open to the public on Wednesday, December 20th.
The Lorikeet Garden is a 1,600 square-foot walk-through aviary. Coral World guests will be able to enter the habitat and enjoy the lorikeets flying freely in the enclosure. Guests also will have an opportunity to purchase cups of nectar to feed these friendly birds. The exhibit will open with 20 birds; however, Coral World intends to introduce more birds in the near future. Of the 20 birds, 17 are multi-colored rainbow lorikeets known for their sociable nature. There is also a pair of Blue-streaked lorikeets, and a Rainbow/Blue-streaked hybrid. According to Peter Noah, Coral World Vice President of Operations, all of the birds are hand-raised, so they are very comfortable around people. He said, "Of all of the birds I've worked with, lorikeets are by far the most entertaining. They are natural clowns, very acrobatic, and inquisitive about people."
Lorikeets are nectar-eating birds, usually crushing the flower and then licking the honey with their tongues. Their specialized "bottle-brush" tongues make it easier for them to extract nectar and pollen from flowers and from the small cups of nectar provided at Coral World.
Park President and General Manager Trudie Prior said, "We are very excited to offer our guests the chance to get close to these beautiful birds and to learn about them." Prior said, "In the last year we have been focusing on making the park more interactive, because we have concluded that our guests desire more interaction with animals and the environment. They no longer want to be just spectators." Earlier this year Coral World launched the Shark Encounter program designed to put guests in close contact with sharks in the Shark Shallows Pool. The opening of the Lorikeet Garden gives guests one more opportunity for a unique animal interaction.
Admission to the Lorikeet Garden is included in the general admission ticket. For those wishing to feed the lorikeets, there is a charge of $2 per cup of nectar.
Coral World Introduces Shark Encounter Programtag:www.coralworldstthomas.com,2008://1.292008-02-27T10:20:02Z2008-03-21T18:47:42ZSt. Thomas, USVI February 27, 2006 - Coral World has a new program that gives guests the rare opportunity to encounter sharks face to face and in the water in the Shark Shallows Pool....
St. Thomas, USVI February 27, 2006 - Coral World has a new program that gives guests the rare opportunity to encounter sharks face to face and in the water in the Shark Shallows Pool.]]>
Up until now Coral World guests have been able to touch the tail of a shark while standing at the edge of the pool during the daily presentations. The new Shark Encounter program at Coral World brings the "fear factor" up several notches by inviting a limited number of guests to experience the thrill of being in the water with nearly a dozen sharks!
Sound like a wild idea? The truth is, animal encounter programs similar to this one are a growing trend at aquariums around the world. According to Peter Noah, Coral World vice president of operations, today's aquarium visitors are no longer satisfied with the passive aquarium experience. "People want to experience the excitement and rush of being very close to the animals." The shark encounter program is the first of several other interactive programs that Coral World will introduce this year. A stingray encounter is planned for the spring.
The shark program offered at Coral World is very unique and the only of its kind in the Caribbean. Most shark encounter experiences take place in an environment where artificial barriers such as cages and glass walls separate participants from the sharks. At Coral World, participants and a staff biologist guide will stand in the water as close as two feet away from the sharks. While most other shark encounters require scuba diving skills, Coral World's program requires no special skills or experience, making it accessible to the average person.
The adventure begins with an educational session out of the water. Participants learn about the different shark species found in the pool, their habits and behaviors. Next, participants climb into a demonstration pool where they don their masks, snorkels and weight belts (for stability) before entering the main enclosure. Accompanied by their guide, participants wade in four feet of clear water as juvenile nurse, lemon, and blacktip sharks swim freely around them. While in the water guests can also observe juvenile barracuda, lobsters and other marine life typical of a shallow reef environment. "This is a great opportunity to see marine life eye to eye," says Noah. Guests then return to the demonstration pool to pet one of the baby nurse sharks carefully handled by the guide. The whole experience is captured on camera for those who wish to take home a photo souvenir. (Otherwise, who would ever believe you actually swam with sharks!)
Despite their ferocious reputation, sharks have much more to fear from people than we do from them. According to Noah, "The chance of encountering a shark while in the water, let alone being attacked by one is very slight." He explains that the encounter program is safe for many reasons; Not only are the sharks accustomed to humans who clean inside the pool each day, they are also well fed, eating twice daily. On the other hand, humans have been putting increasing pressure on shark populations over the years. Sharks are killed for food and other products but also out of fear and for sport. The program at Coral World is designed to inspire respect for sharks.
The Coral World Shark Encounter program will be available to the public on a very limited schedule this week, with a grand opening on Saturday, March 11. The cost is $19.75 plus the Coral World park admission. It will be offered four times daily to groups of one to four people. "We have limited participation to no more than sixteen guests per day in order to ensure an intimate experience for the guests and a safe and healthy experience for the animals," says Noah. Participants must measure 4'6" tall.
Coral Restoration Projecttag:www.coralworldstthomas.com,2008://1.402008-02-26T18:40:58Z2008-03-21T18:49:58ZCoral World is in the planning stages of a Coral Restoration Project. We intend to transplant fragments of porites coral first in the area of Coral World’s Undersea Observatory Tower and eventually at other sites around the Virgin Islands....kittyCoral World is in the planning stages of a Coral Restoration Project. We intend to transplant fragments of porites coral first in the area of Coral World’s Undersea Observatory Tower and eventually at other sites around the Virgin Islands. ]]>
porites colonies to add to colonies populating the submerged land leased by Coral World from the Government. The new colonies would be fragmented and cemented onto platforms within this coral “nursery.” Later, we would fragment these corals again to transplant them to multiple restoration sites. These sites would then be monitored by staff and volunteers.
Our hope is that we can engage local residents, especially school children, and visitors in the Coral Restoration Project.]]>
The stingray pup, measuring approximately 8 inches from wing tip to wing tip, is healthy and doing very well, according to Peter Noah, Coral World's Vice President of Operations. "We are feeding him shrimp, clams and small bits of fish and just giving this little guy a lot of special attention," he said. While it's still too early to determine the sex of the stingray, the pup has been named "Hatch" after a stingray character in the Sea Tails line of children's clothing which will soon be for sale in the Coral World gift shop.
Southern stingrays are found throughout the Caribbean in shallow coastal habitats with sandy bottoms. They graze on the sandy ocean floor feeding on crustaceans and mollusks which they uncover from the sand by flapping their wings. Like their shark cousins, stingrays hatch from egg capsules inside the mother's uterus and are born soon afterwards. An adult Southern stingray will grow as big as 80 inches and weigh 215 pounds. The Southern stingray is not aggressive towards humans, however, it may use its spine for defense if stepped on.
Coral World's marine animal hospital was designed to hold injured turtles, stranded marine mammals and other sea life in need of special care. "The hospital pool provided the ideal environment for the mother stingray to pup," said Noah. "This facility is not only a great asset to Coral World but also an incredible resource for the entire region," he said. "It is the only marine animal hospital of its kind in the Eastern Caribbean."
Visitors to Coral World can catch a glimpse of "Hatch" swimming and burrowing in the sand at the park's Touch Pool. Eventually he will be moved to the Stingray Lagoon exhibit with a group of other juvenile stingrays.]]>
Coral World is in the planning stages of a Coral Restoration Project. We intend to transplant fragments of porites coral first in the area of Coral World’s Undersea Observatory Tower and eventually at other sites around the Virgin Islands. ]]>
porites colonies to add to colonies populating the submerged land leased by Coral World from the Government. The new colonies would be fragmented and cemented onto platforms within this coral “nursery.” Later, we would fragment these corals again to transplant them to multiple restoration sites. These sites would then be monitored by staff and volunteers.
Our hope is that we can engage local residents, especially school children, and visitors in the Coral Restoration Project.]]>