Shark Days at Mote: Aug. 14-20
Written by: Jenna Landis
Join Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium at our second annual Shark Days at Mote to celebrate and learn about one of the ocean’s most interesting predators. From beers with a shark expert to an educational club dedicated to girls in science — and everything in between — join us at Shark Days at Mote for a fin-tastic way for the whole family to wrap up summer.
Details and registration for Shark Days activities are here: www.mote.org/sharkdays
This event is made possible by Title Sponsor, CapTrust.
10:45 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 14:
Help us kick off Shark Days at Mote by cycling for a great cause! Donate $20, $40 or $60 to ride and enjoy a delicious mimosa afterward with the feeling of satisfaction you just made a difference. All proceeds from this special CycleGiving ride go directly to Mote!
CycleBar is a boutique cycling studio featuring a state-of-the-art CycleTheatre®, hi-tech lighting, sound and cycling equipment located at 5275 University Parkway 101
University Park, FL.
6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 15:
We are kicking off Shark Days at Mote with our first ever screening of "Jaws" in our theater-style WAVE Center! The movie will begin promptly at 6 p.m. Popcorn will be provided to viewers, and beer and wine will be available for purchase. Following the film, Mote Senior Scientist Dr. Bob Hueter will lead a discussion and Q&A session. This is a free event, however, RSVP is required due to space limitations.
11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 16:
Children can embrace their creative side while learning about one of the ocean’s most magnificent creatures with Sharks & Crafts in the Aquarium courtyard. Sharks & Crafts is included with regular paid admission to Mote Aquarium and is free for Mote Members.
11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug.17:
Did you know that you can come to Mote and help our Aquarium Biologists feed the sharks in our 135,000-gallon shark habitat? Be sure to tune in to Mote's social media outlets to learn more about this Shark Encounter program, why it's important, and how you can sign up and get involved!
5:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18:
Adults can join Mote Marine Laboratory experts, Dr. Robert Hueter and Kim Bassos-Hull, at Mote’s WAVE Center for a Science Café: Sharks, Tales & Ales — a free, casual discussion between the experts and you! Small plate appetizers and cocktails will be available for purchase. Mote Science Cafés are informal discussions that give everyone the chance to participate. Topics are designed to help you discover relationships between everyday things and our marine world. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the program starts at 6 p.m.
Suggested audience: Adults 21 and older. Please note that alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase, and the conversation about sharks and Mote research will be geared toward an adult audience.
11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 19:
Join us online for Sharks Alive! This program is a live, two-way interactive program focused on shark research at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. The programs begins with an overview of shark husbandry and training at Mote Aquarium and discusses the research technology used by the Lab. The program will end with a Q&A session with our ocean expert.
Participants will enjoy a virtual shark training session with Mote Aquarium biologists; identify reasons why Mote trains sharks and other animals in human care discover husbandry and training techniques biologist use to manage animals in human care, learn about the technology we use to study sharks in the wild, engage in a discussion with Mote's ocean expert about sharks or other ocean animals and develop an appreciation for sharks and their important ecological role.
The lesson can be seen on SeaTrek.TV’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/seatrek. Classroom teachers can sign up to be interactive participants.
Saturday, Aug. 20:
Shark Days at Mote will wrap up with Fins and Fun, a family festival that includes games and crafts in the Aquarium’s courtyard, free Mommy & Me "Smiley Shark" sessions, Akiko the face painter, and The Gummy Sharks will be playing the tunes for the event! Mote's very own mascot, Gilly the Shark, can't wait to dance to the music with his fellow sharks. Want to get your picture taken with a scuba diver? Mote divers will be in the shark exhibits during set periods throughout the festival. Mote's education department will also lead fun activities to teach children of all ages the importance of sharks in our oceans.
Also, girls interested in science — especially sharks, skates and rays — are invited to a free meeting of the Gills Club from 1-2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20 at Mote Marine Laboratory. The meeting includes hands-on activities based on current research and the introduction of a researcher. The Gills Club is geared toward girls ages 6-17, and families are also welcome.