If you’ve ever driven into Galveston, you know you’ve made it when you spot the Moody Gardens Aquarium Pyramid. And once you walk inside, it’s not just cool to look at.
Houston Life’s Lauren Leal went inside to one of the most popular spots: the seals and sea lions exhibit.
Lauren talked with biologist Janie Konetski, who’s been with Moody Gardens for years (and actually started as a volunteer when she was just 14). Janie explains that the daily 10:30 a.m. training session which is open to guests, helps the team keep a close eye on the animals’ health. The seals and sea lions choose to participate, and through trust and positive reinforcement (aka fish rewards), they learn behaviors that make it easier for staff to do routine checkups.
Moody Gardens is home to five harbor seals and two California sea lions, and they live together much like they would out in the wild. Janie also shares that every animal has its own backstory. Two seals, Tomato and Ravioli, are rescues from California who couldn’t be released back into the wild after health issues so they found a permanent home at Moody Gardens. Other animals came from zoos and aquariums across North America, and the staff takes their time introducing everyone to make sure it’s safe and smooth.
Janie says there’s plenty more to explore inside the Aquarium Pyramid like penguins, sharks, stingrays, and tons of fish.
If you’re ready to plan a trip to Moody Gardens, you can save money with their value pass and get 25% off hotel stays at the Moody Gardens Hotel by using code ‘USA250′.