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Mote’s Adopt an Animal program is a fun, easy way to support Mote. Adoptions make wonderful gifts for loved ones—or for yourself!
All adoption proceeds directly benefit Mote Aquarium and the animals inside it. The hardest part is choosing the animal you wish to adopt. Pick from an alligator, jellyfish, manatee, octopus, otter, seahorse, sea turtle, coral, axolotl, and shark.
Mote’s Adopt an Animal program offers three adoption levels
Our $30 e-adoption is ideal for individuals looking to support our animals quickly! This level includes a personalized digital adoption certificate and a fact card with a photo sent via email as a special thanks from Mote. (Email sent within 48 hours, usually sooner.)
Our $100 level is the perfect gift for a loved one, complete with an adoption kit that includes a plush animal toy, personalized printed adoption certificate, a photo of the animal with a fact sheet, an Adopt and Animal window cling and Mote logo sticker, shipped to either the giver or the recipient.
Our $150 level includes a plush animal toy, personalized adoption certificate, a photo of the animal with a fact sheet, Adopt an Animal window cling, Mote logo sticker, book about Mote founder Dr. Eugenie Clark, a Mote logo reusable bag, and a personalized greeting card with a customizable message (birthday, Christmas, anniversary, etc.) shipped to either the giver or the recipient.
Our resident zebra shark is named Schnitzel. As nocturnal feeders, zebra sharks rest during the day and hunt for food at night. They’re commonly found resting on the ocean floor, disguising themselves from prey in the sediment. According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, zebra sharks are considered endangered. Did you know that zebra sharks are classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)? By adopting a zebra shark, you’ll play a vital role in supporting Mote’s mission and the conservation of zebra sharks
Without corals, our oceans would lose species diversity, impacting food sources, job opportunities, coastline protection, and potential medical breakthroughs derived from oceanic resources.
Your contribution enables Mote scientists to breed resilient corals, test disease treatments, and restore damaged reefs by planting new corals. Join us in safeguarding our oceans—adopt a coral today and make a lasting impact on marine conservation!
*This adoption only offers the E-Pal option*
Experience the wonder of axolotls, unique salamanders with extraordinary abilities, at Mote Aquarium! These amphibians can regenerate spinal cord, skin, and even lung tissue! While axolotls are critically endangered in the wild, they thrive under human care, serving as ambassadors for their species.
By adopting an axolotl, you’ll contribute to their well-being while supporting Mote’s conservation efforts. The perfect gift to show someone you love them alotl!
Meet Rose, Mote’s American Alligator and Dive into Florida’s Wild Side!
Native to Florida, American alligators like Rose are typically black or dark gray with brown tones on the back and a striking yellow-white belly. Fun fact: Alligators replace their teeth as they wear down and can go through 3,000 teeth in a lifetime! By adopting an Alligator, you’ll support Mote’s conservation efforts and help raise awareness about these incredible reptiles.
Everyone will be “jelly” of this adoption…
Mote is home to eight mesmerizing and unique species of jellyfish. Our dedicated team ensures our jellyfish receive the care they need, including feeding anywhere from 150 to 1,000 mouths daily!
By adopting one of our jellyfish, you’re not only supporting their well-being but also enabling us to continue vital research that helps protect and preserve our precious marine environments.
Meet Buffett: Our Resident Florida Manatee at Mote Aquarium!
Buffett is one of our most beloved animal ambassadors, known for his charm and intelligence. As one of the few manatees in the world trained for voluntary, detailed behavioral research, Buffett plays a critical role in advancing manatee conservation efforts. You can support Buffett and our conservation efforts by symbolically adopting a manatee today. Your contribution not only aids in Buffett’s care but also fuels vital research that benefits manatees and their habitats.
At Mote Aquarium, we have both octopuses and cuttlefish, another cephalopod species, that you can visit. Octopuses are fascinating creatures known for their remarkable intelligence. Did you know they can solve puzzles and even open jars to access tasty treats inside? By adopting one of our resident octopuses, you’ll support their enrichment and care, providing them with engaging items like jars, legos, wiffle balls, PVC puzzles, and more! Your adoption not only ensures their well-being but also fuels ongoing research and education about these extraordinary cephalopods.The perfect gift for graduations!
Meet Mote’s North American River Otters – Huck, Pipi, and Jane!
Did you know that river otters belong to the same family as the weasels and ferrets we keep as pets? These playful mammals thrive in watersheds, vital areas that channel water towards lakes, rivers, and the sea. Adopting an otter is the perfect gift to show someone how much you otter-ly care about them! Get to know Huck, Pipi, and Jane, and consider supporting their care and research efforts through our Adopt-an-Animal program. Your contribution helps ensure their well-being and furthers Mote’s mission.
Meet our incredible sea turtles: Shelley, Montego, and Hang Tough! Shelley and Montego are loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta), and Hang Tough is a green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas). These remarkable creatures play a crucial role in educating visitors about the challenges facing threatened and endangered sea turtle species. By adopting a sea turtle you’ll directly contribute to their care and well-being while also supporting Mote’s conservation initiatives. Your adoption helps us continue our mission to raise awareness about sea turtle conservation and protect these beloved marine animals for future generations.
At Mote, we’re doing our part to help support seahorse populations by breeding seahorses and reducing the number that need to be collected from the wild. Seahorses are truly remarkable creatures—unique among fish, the male seahorse is the one who gives birth, making them the only species on Earth with this trait. By studying our seahorses, we gain valuable insights into the mysteries of the sea each day. Your support not only helps care for these captivating creatures but also contributes to important research that enhances our understanding of marine ecosystems. Our seahorse adoption is a perfect father’s day gift!
Mote has studied sharks since we opened our doors in 1955 and our founding Director, Dr. Eugenie Clark, earned the nickname “The Shark Lady.” Currently, we care for seven different species of sharks, including bonnetheads, sandbars, nurses, blacknoses and more. Sharks are a vital part of the ocean ecosystem and we still have so much to learn from them. The shark adopt is a jawsome gift for the Mote enthusiast.
Octopus, Alligator, Sea Turtle, Shark, Seahorse, Manatee, Otter, Jellyfish, Coral, Zebra Shark, Axolotl
When you chose to adopt an animal you are sponsoring the species, not an individual animal. The funds raised through the program are used to care for the thousands of animals that call Mote Aquarium home.
E-Pal ($30):
Buddy ($100)
Deluxe ($150)
If you purchased the $30 level, you will receive an email containing the adoption certificate and animal fact sheet. This can take 1-3 days.
If you purchased the $100 or $150 level, you will receive your package within 1-2 weeks.
Yes, your donation covers the shipping of your package.
Yes, adopting an animal is a great gift idea for people of all ages! You can even adopt an animal on behalf of a classroom, business or family. Looking for a unique last minute gift idea? Purchase our $30 level!
The adoption fee is a one-time fee.
Unfortunately, for the $100 and $150 plush adoption we are unable to ship outside of the US. We are able to do the $30 e-adoption if the page loads, however, please note that in some countries the adopt IP address is blocked as it is considered a ‘shopping site’. If the page does not load, we are unable to do the e-adoption.
Yes! Just add the first animal to your cart and then you will see a list of additional adoptions you can support!
Please note!! Plush toys are subject to change based on product availability.
Questions? Call Membership at (941) 388-4441 ext. 373 or email: membership@mote.org
