Welcome to this week’s edition of Nature Friday in April, where we’re joining the LLB Gang for their weekly blog hop. Be sure to click on the link to see what scenes from nature others are sharing. This week my great-granddaughter turned one year old and the family visited the Denver Aquarium to celebrate. Kids young and old are fascinated by the calming sight of fish floating through coral and rocks. While it’s challenging to photograph fish in large tanks with glass reflection, not to mention the occasional photo bomber or poor positioning due to large crowds visiting, we apologize in advance here. That said, let’s ‘dive in,’ so to speak.
Wilson: Right, Mum. I’m sure glad they don’t allow dogs. You know how I feel about water especially since I received the full professional water torture treatment so I could visit patients and staff at the hospital. The only water I’m interested in lives in my water bowl where I’m happy to gulp and make a mess with the best of ’em. The Downtown Aquarium (originally known as Colorado’s Ocean Journey) opened back in 1999. It’s not huge as aquariums go, however the aquarium holds approximately 1,000,000 US gallons (3,785,000 L), and exhibits a variety of fish and other animals.
The Mum: That’s right, House Pony…the aquarium was rebranded in 2005 as the Downtown Aquarium after Ocean Journey filed bankruptcy when it wasn’t able to make the high construction cost repayments. The restaurant chain, Landry’s Restaurant purchased the facility in 2003 and remodeled the premises by adding a full restaurant, bar and ballroom for events.
Wilson: This aquarium examines the relationship between inland freshwater ecosystems and the ocean and features the path of two rivers in their route to the ocean (namely, the Colorado River and the Kampur River in Indonesia).
Wilson: After the 2005 renovations, the two paths were continued although they are not arranged in a zoogeographic pattern. Tanks were added to showcase species from African and South American freshwater ecosystems and some tanks are mixed community spaces. There are several interactive exhibits, including a stingray touch-and-feed tank. Check out the Reticulate Whipray that looked like a leopard. It’s a large species from the Indo-Pacific area. I notice you chose not to pet him.
The Mum: Yeah, I had a minor infection on one of my finger tips and decided there were plenty of people to pet him so I’m sure he didn’t miss my fingers running along his skin.
Wilson: Whoa…for someone who’s so gung-ho about petting animals, that was a surprise. But I applaud you for thinking of the welfare of ‘therapy ray.’
The Mum: I just thought it was prudent for him. Besides, I was kind of mesmerized by the way he floated around and didn’t even realize I wasn’t petting him. He did seem to enjoy the attention under the watchful eye of the human attendant who was quick to correct overly enthusiastic visitors.
Wilson: The aquarium continues to focus on conservation by housing many endangered or threatened species. There are twelve species of fish, six reptiles, two mammals, and two birds and the aquarium participates in the American Species Survival Plan for Sumatran tigers with two gorgeous young male tigers, Rudi and Luhahn who will be featured in another post.
The Mum: There were loads of students on field trips and I couldn’t help watch them checking out all the fish. The largest tank is the one where everyone is awed. It was quite something to see sharks floating in front of and above the crowds, almost like a cave. Most of the sharks were females but there were a couple of males that looked quite fearsome.
Wilson: Gosh, Mum…it’s not even Shark Week! But I can see why everyone wants to see them. Say, didn’t your grandson dive in the tank with them years ago on his birthday?
The Mum: He did and we chatted about his recollections. It began his ongoing love with diving and the ocean. I ‘m afraid I’d be too afraid to do that as an adult, let alone as a spry young kiddo.
Wilson: I don’t blame you for not getting in. There’s water involved and not nearly enough treats to make me want to get in it.
The Mum: Silly boy. Diving is not for everyone but it’s good that some people are willing to do the research to save and protect these amazing creatures. I mean, just look at those rows of teeth!
Wilson: Ummm, I think I’ll pass on focusing on all those teeth. Let’s look at a few more of the creatures from the aquarium.
The Mum: It was a great visit and I loved watching Halia’s reaction to the fish floating around. I’m sure it was somewhat overwhelming for her but glad she had the opportunity to be exposed to the natural world. Well, we’d better skedaddle for the hospital. Another big day, buddy. You were a real superstar and I know there will be more opportunities to bring smiles to folks today. This afternoon, I’m going out to pick up a sheepdog who’s coming into our rescue. Her family is moving here from out of state and the landlord won’t allow pets so she’s relinquishing her girl. While I don’t know a whole lot about her, I’ll have a better idea later this afternoon. It’s going to be a big day. What’s on your weekend schedule?
Wilson: Whatever it is, we hope you can get outside and experience a great springtime weekend. You’ll have to fill me in after you pick her up. I’m glad the owner had sense enough to contact us but sad that she’ll lose her family. I know how traumatic that can be and we’re keeping our paws crossed it goes well. Have a great weekend, mates.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
What an amazing trip into the water…eh…the aquarium, of course🙈That shark has some sharp teeth huh…Happy 1st Birthday to your granddaughter, Monika and Wilson🎉Extra Pawkisses to the both of you🐾😽💞
Thanks so much. Your sweet comment made us smile. 💙🩷 Good thing Wilson and I don’t have teeth like the shark when we smile. 😆 We’re friendly, even if Wilson doesn’t like water. LOL
Java Bean: “Ayyy, I feel like we’ve stepped aboard the Nautilus! Where is Captain Nemo?”
Thanks, Bean. I took a couple of pics of Nemo and Dory and hope they’ll be included in this week’s post. Paws crossed.
Beautiful creature photography. I feel like I was right there with you. I love the fascinating details you shared. Do I see another OES in your future?
Not at this time. Wilson and I are still working on adapting to the loss of Elsa. The dog was such a sweetheart and my heart simultaneously broke and ached for the owner who clearly loved her and who’s owned her since she was a puppy (she’s now 6 years old). Such a sweet dog. It was extremely emotional for me. This pup is being fostered by someone who has 2 other sheepies and will be perfect to help her transition and there may even have a potential family who’s ready to adopt her once she’s been spayed and settled. As relinquishments go, this was in theory very easy but I was a total wreck.
I’m so sad for the poor dog, and the dog’s family, but very glad that she found her way into a good rescue and not a shelter. I hope you all can help her decompress. Are you fostering her?
It was so heartbreaking-clearly there was loads of love by both. But very grateful she contacted us. The pup (Winter, aka Winnie) was adopted from Ukraine 6 years ago, is registered and is bilingual. A real sweetheart. And the foster is a seasoned sheepie owner who will be perfect while she gets checked out, spayed and settled. We may even have a family ready to adopt so it all seems like a good outcome. But it about broke me. My emotions are über sensitive, Elsa has only been gone a month and it showed yesterday. I broke down in the car after everyone left. It was so heartbreaking. While I’m open to fostering in the future, I’m not emotionally prepared right now.
Take care of yourself…healing/grieving takes time, as you know. But thank you for helping the dog.
🥰 Thanks.
WOWZERS! What a neato bunch of water critters! The shark teeth photos kind of gave me a chill but everything was really fascinating……..Thanks for sharing (but you can keep the shark).
Hugs, Teddy
Thanks Teddy. They are quite creepy but super interesting. Hope you have a lovely weekend.
Thanks. I confess, I walked around with my mouth open 95% of the time! Ocean critters are so fascinating.
Great photos, especially the octopus. XO
Thank you. That fella was quite mesmerizing! Have a good weekend.
Such wonderful photos! Aquariums are fun but I wouldn’t want to go in that water either Wilson!
Thanks Terry. Just goes to show there are some very interesting creatures in the sea. Here’s hoping it’s a good weekend.
You did a superlative job for someone who was dubious about the glare of the glass. These spot on mama. And I love the idea of swimming with sharks too. It’s not for everyone but I just think they’re magnificent creatures. As is that leopard spotted whipray, how cool. As for House Pony, there’s nothing wrong with sticking to your bowl of water to get your fix.
Enjoy the weekend peeps
Many thanks, Marco. There were so many pics where the glare was really distracting. It helped that I took an over-abundant number of photos so I could pick the best ones. My grandson really enjoyed being in the tank with those sharks. It scared the be-Jesus outa me! Here’s hoping your weekend is full of loads of fun.
Well like I said, you did an exceptional job. And big props to the House Pony for all the great good work he’s doing.
Aww gee…thanks. You’re too kind.
I speak the truth.
Yes let’s hope for a good spring time weekend…. despite our rain.
Not surprised Wilson preferred to stay at home…those teeth! And water!
Wishing lots of luck to the girl you are picking up…both she and her family will be devastated.
Thanks, Helen. It was extremely heartbreaking to watch her say goodbye to her baby and the dog seemed equally crestfallen as well. They clearly loved one another very deeply for the past 6 years. The whole experience nearly broke me. The dog is being fostered by a fabulously seasoned sheepdog owner who will be perfect to help her transition. And her two sweet floofs will help the new dog as she settles into a new life.
Heartbreaking indeed…these landlords…don’t they realise that a well cared for dog is less problem than a dubious tenant?
Sadly, profit is generally the word of the day (though one can never discount if an owner is less than truthful for whatever reason). I’m just very grateful she contacted our rescue where we’ll make sure that sweet pup will get a great second chance.
Lucy: OMD, you’re gonna get Wilson a girlfriend!!! Wow, wow, wow! *wagging all over*
Xena: (hiding behind a chair) You did a great job takings pictures of that killer shark!
Chia: Hey, House Pony, wouldn’t it be fun to eat that octopus?!
Calm down, Lucy. No girlfriend right now. This dog is a real sweetheart and it was emotionally hard to see the owner give her up but circumstances just won’t permit her keeping her baby. That dog was so loved and it broke my heart to witness. I’m still trying to cope with Elsa’s loss which made the whole experience heartbreaking.
Thanks, Xena. Those sharks were impressive and my stomach and I were most grateful there was thick glass between us.
Chia: I’m not sure I’d like that ‘calamari’ on a plate!
Xena: Mommy understands about Elsa. I still see her crying sometime over Lexi. I do my best to help. *gentle licks*
I heard sharks had double rows of teeth and they DO! WOW!
Do they ever! It was quite chilling to see such a magnificent specimen.
Looks like your Mom had a great time(and took some pawesome photos)! Our Mama loves it underwater, and looking at Aquariums but we’re with you Wilson…we like water in a bowl!
xoxo,
Rosy & Sunny
Thanks Rosy & Sunny. Get wet is not my cup of tea at all!
Your fur-iend,
Wilson, the water adverse House Pony 🐾
Aquariums are cool places to explore species that we are never likely to see, being terrestrial as we are. Is there a chance that this rescue might be coming home with you?? 🙂
Thanks Eliza. It was a fun place to visit and learn new things about creatures from deep water.
It’s not likely on the rescue. It’s only been a month since Elsa earned her wings, my heart is still too tender to bring in a new Ranch Hand. Plus I have no clue about her background; it’s just too premature to speculate. Hope your weekend is full of beautiful spring.
We love that first photo of the seahorse in greenery. I guess not to many folks pet the sharks with those sharp teeth. The photos are pretty darn good we have to say. Glad you had a nice time.
Aww, you guys are too kind. I think Mum took at least 8700 photos, most of them weren’t very good-too much glare off the aquarium glass. But a few were ok. But it was still fun to check out everything. We hope you have a good weekend (and it’s not too muddy).
Your photos are magnificent, Monika. I know how hard those are to take. Glad you all had a great day. I have to feel sorry for dogs whose owners make decisions that end up not being in favor of the dog. I’m glad you are there to comfort her.
Thanks, John. Glass is the nemeses of photographers everywhere and I was limited because I only took pics by the phone camera. Still there were a few that were not too bad. Have a great weekend.
That looks a lot like Cleveland’s aquarium which the kids and our family loves. We too have a stingray pool and it is just so peaceful watching them swim around. Good luck with the sheepIe, that’s a sad situation.
Thanks, Martha. It was a great day for checking out the natural world. We’re hoping the relinquishment goes well. Our focus will be on the best interests on this girl. Have a good weekend.
Sea critters are so amazing and different. Awesome!
They totally are! And it’s relaxing watching them drift on the current. Well except for watching sharks circling for their next meal! Have a good weekend.
Sounds like a great family outing, happy 1st birthday to Halia. Can’t wait to hear about the upcoming sheepie pick-up!
Thanks, Lisa-it was a fun day. I’m sure Halia was exhausted at the end of it, but it sure was a good experience.