Sea Life quotes
Rach and Scout
I liked the tunnel the best – always my go to in an aquarium (despite always feeling a bit edgy thanks to Jaws 3) and this one didn’t disappoint. Was fab to watch the sharks, rays and especially the majestic turtle, who as Alfred pointed out, quite clearly knew he was the star of the show. For me the play area near the end was bad news, as once Scout knew it was there, it was game over for the sealife. I really enjoyed myself though, and really liked how interactive it was for the kids, and when Scout didn’t want to stroke a starfish, I was happy to take her place.
Today I found Nemo! I saw him close up and asked my mummy if I could take him out, but she said no. I saw lots of fish and crabs and even some sharks. But finding Nemo was the best part of my day.
Jack Stocker
“There was a magnificent grace to the manta rays that I found simply captivating. I could watch them looping and soaring around that same circuit for hours, especially when they momentarily pause on their sojourn to press their faces up against the glass as if wishing you a hearty hello. I was utterly unprepared for this the first time it happened, and leapt back from the tank to fall squarely on my behind. Amongst the laughter I looked back to find the ray with the illusion of a grin still plastered across its flat face, and I imagined it gently laughing at me as it pushed itself off again. Next time I visit Sea Life I plan to do so alone, and just sit there in front of that tank for hours, wide-eyed like a toddler.”
Alfred
For me the abiding memory will be the sight of the Manta’s Rays gliding effortlessly through the water. Everything else was either scuttling along the bottom or swimming with varying degrees of proficiency but the Manta’s flew through the water with a grace and elegance that must leave the other fish envious.
Gabe and Chris
Gabe said “My favourite bit was all the big sharks, and how they swam over my head. And the chubby turtle. He was lovely! And I touched a starfish which was knobbly.”
My thoughts were that it was a great space, with some lovely touches – the giant Buddhist-style figurehead being a welcome alternative to the traditional shipwreck! I liked the little nooks and crannies of viewing areas, and obviously the tunnel was a great way to see these incredible creatures close up. And there were always knowledgeable staff around to give you the lowdown on the more curious-looking underwater critters. The conger eel is green because of algae – not because it’s actually green. I did not know that…
Helen Nugent
I remember going to Bolton Library with my dad as a kid. I don’t think I ever really wanted to go, and I’m not sure why we were so often in Bolton except as a break in the norm from the big shop in Bury. But Bolton Library had an acquarium in its basement. It still does (CHECK). I remember that finite room like it was yesterday.
Today my niece loves my dad’s fishtank. Until recently, there were only four fish in that tank. That had been their home for ? years.Then, out of nowhere, there was another. ????
Sea Life may be on a bigger scale than Grandad Nugent’s tank but, to a toddler, the awe is ….
Miniscule seahorse
Nemo
Kids less impressed by the shark tunnel than the adults. Our own fear of mortality versus their sense of wonder and awe?
I crawled underneath, just enough room to pop up my head and assure my niece it was OK to stand up. I would protect her from the prehistoric eel with the dead eyes.
I’d rescue her from the play centre
And, big mistake, I’d take her down the helter skelter
By Helen Nugent
www.visitsealife.com/manchester/