These holidays, the Great Mazatlán Aquarium It appears to be an ideal plan for families looking to learn and have fun without leaving the city, with a proposal that connects fully with the Sea of Cortez.
The enclosure brings together more than 200 species among marine fauna, reptiles, mollusks and invertebrates, and offers a very visual and interactive visit that allows you to get closer to underwater life with guided activities and explanations from its scientific team.
Interactive and educational exploration
From the area of Communication and Science, Alejandro Ruiz explains that the route is designed as a building that "emerges" from the water: it starts in the desert, continues along the coastal strip and ends in the sea bottom, where corals, brightly colored fish, impressive groupers and sharks appear; before returning to “the surface,” visitors cross a zone of Jellyfish which is quite a show
Among the favorite stops is contact with sea urchins, always with supervision. Visitors such as Luis Alberto Camarillo, from Saltillo, they say that respect and instructions from caregivers ensure a safe and enriching experience.
Another activity that is very popular is ray feeding. The caregiver Erick Carrillo teaches how to interact correctly so that animals do not become stressed; the stripes, remember, they are harmless when the dynamic is well guided.
The visitor Canales Ditch He admits that he was nervous and ended up letting go: he describes the feeling as a gentle suction while offering them portions of fish and shrimp, an experience that remains in the memory.
Capybaras: New tenants with a conservation message
The capybaras —or capybaras— have been incorporated into the aquarium as biodiversity ambassadorsThey are the largest rodent in the world, originating from South America, with semi-aquatic habits, capable of remaining submerged for several minutes and with partially webbed feet that facilitate swimming.
They live in groups, they are animals events and calm, and follow a strict diet herbivorous based on grasses and aquatic vegetation. Families and children are surprised by its peaceful nature; visitors like Andrea Sanchez They celebrate the variety of species that can be observed on a single tour.
For many children, such as Ikar Matías (10 years old), the most striking thing is its snout: that peculiar trunk It helps them to smell and handle food precisely, an anatomical detail that arouses curiosity.
Those who had only seen them in images, like Alonso Santana (from Guaymas, Sonora), appreciate being able to observe them closely and calmly: the exhibition allows us to better understand their behavior and their ecological relevance.
Exhibitions, activities and legal framework
Beyond the main tanks, there are ideal spaces for the photo with jellyfish, in addition to areas dedicated to penguins y sea lions. Experiences are also offered for diverse audiences, such as snorkel and swimming with sharks, always under safety protocols and with a specialized guide.
The Great Mazatlán Aquarium has been maintaining for a few 20 years a conservation and protection program sea lions, adjusted to the General Wildlife Law. Its executive director, Rafael Lizárraga Favela, highlights that the focus of the exhibitions is educational and animal welfare, both for specimens in permanent care and for rescued animals.
Following the reforms approved by the Chamber of Deputies to the articles 47 Bis 4, 60 Bis, 122 and 127 of the General Law on Wildlife, published in the Official Journal of the Federation el July 17th, is left over extractive use of marine mammals is prohibitedexcept for research for protection purposes and conservation.
In practice, this translates into avoiding the breeding in captivity and in eliminating the physical contact Direct contact with marine mammals by both visitors and caregivers; exercise and enrichment routines are maintained to promote their health and natural behavior.
The presence of capybaras and other species is used to reinforce the environmental education, addressing real threats to ecosystems (urban expansion, pollution or hunting). The capybaras Today they are listed by the IUCN as Minor Concern, but its environment needs active protection.
