Saturday, August 25, 2018

Saturday Critters ~ 245 ~

Mystic Aquarium

I have so many mixed emotions about zoos and aquariums.
The opportunity to see animals up close, 
that I would probably never have the opportunity to see, draws me in.
As I view each of the animals I wonder if they are happy.
I can see they are well fed and loved by their keepers.
But are they really happy?
Especially these 2 Beluga Whales, swimming around in this small pool.







There is a nice Aviary where you can feed and easily photograph the pretty birds.









"The mission of Mystic Aquarium is to inspire people 
to care for and protect our ocean planet through conservation, education and research".

Sharing today with

25 comments:

eileeninmd said...

Hello, Debbie. I feel the same way as you with mixed emotions on zoos and aquariums. Maybe knowing some endangered animals can survive when they are being threatened in the own habitats, I feel better. The Beluga Whale is beautiful, I love the penguins, frogs and birds. Cute photos and poses of you and your hubs. Thanks so much for linking up your post. Happy Saturday, enjoy your weekend! PS, thanks for your visit and comments on my blog.

Changes in the wind said...

I do not think having these is a bad thing if they are well taken care of. I think people romanticize being free and forget that forging for food and surviving attacks is not that great. Always love your pictures.

Debbie said...

many thanks for your kind comment and point of view! all of the animals were well cared for and certainly well fed!!!

Sandi said...

I am with you. They belong in the sea. But how magnificent to see them up close!

Did you see the movie "Finding Dory"? The Beluga whale is the star of the show! :)

I hope one day we have holograms of wild animals in zoos, but the real ones live in the wild.

Marie Smith said...

I feel the same as you ablut zoos and such. The photos are wonderful as usual Debboe.

Ida said...

I agree is sometimes seems cruel to keep animals in zoos but then again it's nice to be able to actually see the animal because let's face it not many of us would get the chance to see them in the wild. Enjoyed your photos.

Brian King said...

I've never seen a Beluga even at an aquarium...beautiful! Gorgeous colors on the birds!

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

Some unusal critters here. Have a great weekend.

Ruth Hiebert said...

You got lovely pictures of the birds and animals.

DeniseinVA said...

Mixed emotions is how I am too but with so many endangered species out there, if these places can replenish the oceans and all the other natural habitats, that is a good thing in the lon run, I hope. If the zoos have large, natural enclosures, and they are all loved and taken care of too. When all is said and done, I am hoping these zoos will benefit us all, not only humans but their inhabitants. Your photos are fabulous Debbie. I love those Beluga Whales. There was a place in Alaska that had an overlook where they frequented but we were never lucky enough to see them. Thank you for all these great photos of your trip. I have enjoyed them all.

LeAnn said...

Wow, I love your latest adventure. You go and visit the best of places. I love that you share all the spectacular photos of birds and animals. Love the photos of the two you.
Blessings and hugs!

Karen Lakis said...

Ive never seen a beluga before. The birds are so colorful! Now I’m humming that Raffi song, Baby Beluga, to myself.

Linda said...

I have mixed feelings about zoos too. We have a couple of small "rescue" zoos around here that take in animals that are no longer wanted due to zoos closing or someone keeping an exotic animal as a pet until they realize it is too much trouble.

baili said...

we think alike dear Debbie!

i mean about these beautiful creature who totally depend on us for food and care!

like always your post hold my heart with such elegant and delightful photos :)
loved your lovely smile and pretty shirt
you guys are perfect couple !

Louca por porcelana said...

I have never seen a Beluga before too...Stunning pictures!Thanks for sharing,hugs!

Pam said...

I agree on the thoughts of the animals we see caged up but I know some are there cause they have been hurt and can’t live out on their own again. Then there are the ones that are used to be hand fed and probably could not make it out there alone....I like to think that they are ok with the way they live....I hope so anyway. Thanks for the lovely pics.

Lowcarb team member said...

Lovely photographs … like the ones of you and your hubs too :)

All the best Jan

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

I have the same mixed feelings Debbie -- but many times these animals are ones that couldn't live on their own for whatever reason (often human caused) and in those cases zoos and aquariums are good places .... also they are often doing research on diseases and other ways to help the various species live longer in the wild. I no longer like zoos that just display the animals for people's amusement and that is all. But I honestly think those kind of zoos are disappearing. I hope. Your pictures are fantastic (and the ability to get pictures is one thing I selfishly like about those places)

Susie said...

Debbie, Looks like you found Nemo. :):) Oh I would have loved seeing the whales...what a treat that must have been. I love those colorful birds too. Blessings to you, xoxo, Susie

LeAnn said...

As always you took some spectacular photos. Those white white whales are magnificent. The penquins are so cute. I enjoy stories about them. Then there are those frog or toad stories too. I even have some of them. Of course, you always take the best of bird photos. These were some colorful one.
Blessing and hug!

Angie said...

Yes, it's a difficult conundrum. I take some consolation in that many zoos are conducting research that helps with preservation in the wild, or conducting breeding programs that populate other zoos rather than drawing the animals from the wild. A nice collection of photos, especially the belugas!

Sue (this n that) said...

Lovely to see how clean and well kept the zoo obviously is (also read your earlier comments). It must have been such a thrill to see the whale up close.
It's lovely to see those beautiful budgerigars in the peak of condition (they're native to Australia and in our remote areas huge flocks, mostly of the green ones, can be seen ducking and diving through the air. They're a sign that water is nearby).
Cheers now and thanks for your post :D) xx

Conniecrafter said...

I hope the same thing when I go, I know there are some that take in animals that would have other wise died if they were left, so I think that is a good thing, it is really special to be able to see them like you say.

Author R. Mac Wheeler said...

Belugas are my favorite water creature.

21 Wits said...

Oh my where to begin, everyone is just a favorite, great captures!