Photos & video for Headline Surfer / From left are Brook, Haven, Rahul and Hazel Kolluri of Monroe, La,, the 1 millionth visitors to the Marine Science Center in Ponce Inlet, Florida. The family received a guided tour, that included the octopus shown above.PONCE INLET, Fla. -- Nobody is certain whether it was the toddler, Haven, or her baby sister, Hazel, in the stroller with an assist from dad, as to who was actually first through the door.
In the grand scheme of things, it's the Kolluri family of Monroe, La,. officially counted as the 1 millionth visitor Wednesday through the doors of the Marine Science Center in Ponce Inlet.
Rahul and Brook Kolluri, along with their daughters, Haven, 3, and Hazel, 10 months, received a basket of goodies and a guided tour of the environmental learning center for being the 1 millionth visitor, which celebrates Florida’s marine life and provides sea turtle rehabilitation.
Since opening in 2002, the Marine Science Center has cared for more than 19,000 sea turtles and more than 1,300 gopher tortoises and freshwater turtles. With veterinary care provided by the University of Florida, the turtle specialists provide X-rays, surgery and rehabilitation for their precious patients. Their goal is to prepare the marine animals for their eventual return to the sea.
Since opening in 2002, the Marine Science Center has cared for more than 19,000 sea turtles and more than 1,300 gopher tortoises and freshwater turtles. With veterinary care provided by the University of Florida, the turtle specialists provide X-rays, surgery and rehabilitation for their precious patients. Their goal is to prepare the marine animals for their eventual return to the sea.
Visitors can learn about marine life in the center’s exhibit hall, which includes a 5,000-gallon artificial reef aquarium, a cownose ray touch pool, anatomical exhibits of a whale and dolphin, and a nautical gift shop. They can also visit the Mary Keller Seabird Rehabilitation Sanctuary, stroll along a nature trail, and climb a bird observation tower overlooking the inlet.
The Marine Science Center is open to the public from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday at 100 Lighthouse Drive, Ponce Inlet. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, and $2 for youth. Children under 3 are free.
For more information, please visit www.marinesciencecenter.com or call 386-304-5545.