Be Captivated by Key West’s Fascinating Aquarium and Nature Facilities

As a result of the economic disaster which crippled it during the depression era, Key West had placed its charter into the custody of the federal government. The government saw that Key West will make a fantastic tourist destination due to its tropical location, clear waters and great weather.

The Key West Aquarium Then

The Works Project Administration was assigned to build the Key West Aquarium in 1932. It was originally designed as an open air aquarium and one of the first during that period. The Key West Aquarium opened to the public in 1934 during the Great Depression and became Key West's first attraction. Regarded as being one of the most unique of its kind in the world, the Aquarium became Key West's lead point of interest when it advertised itself as "America's Caribbean Island" in an effort to rebuild its economy.

The Key West Aquarium Today

The Aquarium has enthralled countless visitors since then and has grown to nearly twice its original size after adding the huge outdoor holding pens and the Atlantic Shores exhibit. Today, the Aquarium receives millions of visitors and exhibits the island's undersea world and its indigenous marine life.

Get totally immersed in the experience as professional tour guides relate the mysteries of the Florida Keys waters. Be a part of daily turtle and shark feedings and learn more about sea life through its hands on Touch Tank interactivity. The Aquarium displays breathtaking marine creatures such as moray eels, sharks, groupers, parrotfish, barracuda, tarpon and a host of tropical fishes.

Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory has been chosen as the island's main attraction for four consecutive years and has 4 People's Choice Awards to prove it. It houses hundreds of butterflies and an aviary of dazzlingly colored birds from all over the world. It is a truly enchanting world amidst verdant tropical plant life and cascading waterfalls, all within a glass climate-controlled environment.

A brief educational film introduces the visitors to the captivating world of butterflies and presents interesting facts about these amazing insects such as their life cycle. The Conservatory allows the visitor to discover all the facets of the butterfly world with a huge wall map which identifies butterflies by their country of origin, and a detailed illustration of a butterfly's anatomy as well as a glimpse into the Monarch butterfly's marvelous migration. Visitors will also get a chance to view up-close live caterpillars while feeding on their host plants and in various stages of development. GP


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