AusLeisure

Auckland marine life attraction Kelly Tarlton's has opened its new Seahorse Kingdom exhibit.

Kelly Tarlton's first new permanent exhibit in five years, the Seahorse Kingdom features the world's only public display of Spiny Sea Dragons.

The beauty of Seahorses means that they are also under threat from overfishing due to use in medicinal preparations and general ocean degradation. So, Kelly Tarlton's, as one of New Zealand's leading conservation entities, has taken the seahorse plight to heart and has created a new Seahorse Kingdom where Kiwis and visitors can be educated about and fall in love with these magical creatures.

Kelly Tarlton's Curator Andrew Christie explains "they are enigmatic little things, and I could watch them for hours.

"Seahorses and their cousins the Spiny Sea Dragon, are found all over the world, but they are fast falling victim to human desires to harvest them. The more we know about them, the more we can all do protect them - that's why we've created the Seahorse Kingdom. Education is the key to their survival.

"We are the only aquarium in the world to exhibit the Spiny Sea Dragon which is found in deep water locations such as Milford Sound. While not strictly speaking a Seahorse, they are certainly part of the family and are special in their own right.

"We are able to retrieve these normally elusive creatures due to the unique environment in Fiordland that means they are closer to the surface than usual."

Kelly Tarlton's General Manager James Thomas adds "we can't wait (for) everyone to start a love affair with the Spiny Sea Dragon and all our other beautiful Seahorses."

The exhibit is part of an investment at the much-loved aquarium by new owners Merlin Entertainments. Future developments will see facilities upgraded and new exhibits launched on a regular basis.

For more information go to www.kellytarltons.co.nz

10th March 2011 - MERLIN COMPLETES SYDNEY ATTRACTIONS GROUP PURCHASE

9th May 2008 - VILLAGE BUYS KELLY TARLTON’S 

25th February 2008 - TOURISM HOLDINGS PROFITS RISES

20th February 2008 - VILLAGE TO ACQUIRE SYDNEY ATTRACTIONS GROUP

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