|
|
Entertaining and Educating Emerald Coast Visitors Since 1955 by
|
|
|
Entertaining and Educating Emerald Coast Visitors Since 1955 by
|
By Scott Jackson
For more than half a century, Florida’s Gulfarium in Fort Walton Beach has entertained and educated countless visitors while serving as an anchor of the area’s evolving tourist industry.
A tried-and-true tourist destination, the Gulfarium was born of one man’s passion for Emerald Coast marine life, as well as a dream to share his knowledge with others visiting this area from around the world.
In 1952, John "Brandy" Siebenaler, armed with a degree in aquatic and marine biology from the University of North Carolina and several research projects under his belt, was diligently conducting studies near the Okaloosa Island pier for the University of Miami. On one sunlit day at the pier, he developed the concept for his dream project – Florida’s Gulfarium.
"He saw the most beautiful site he had ever seen," said Don Abrams, general manager of the Gulfarium.
Two years later, in 1954, Siebenaler’s vision became reality with the construction of the Gulfarium’s first 600,000-gallon marine tank. The original staff consisted of only three people, including him. Siebenaler’s efforts bore fruit: On Aug. 15, 1955, the Gulfarium officially opened. In operation for more than 50 years now, it is the oldest continuously operated marine show in the world.
Siebenaler and his marine-scientist colleagues developed technology that pumps water from the Gulf of Mexico through specially designed filtration systems to support the nearly 1 million gallons of seawater required for the various tanks and animal exhibits.
Early design issues created some close calls, Abrams said.
"We had a dolphin demonstration on the top of the water of the main tank, as well as a shark-feeding demonstration underneath. That formula didn’t work," Abrams chuckled.
This lesson learned led to the creation of the 50,000-gallon shark exhibit in 1956.
In the early ’90s, renovations began at the marine life facility and drew upon the tight collaboration and technical knowledge of Siebenaler’s colleagues. The Gulfarium continues to draw upon this early teamwork to research and develop ways to improve water quality and the health of the marine inhabitants. Since 1996, the Gulfarium’s staff continually has tapped into this collaboration and made improvements to modernize existing exhibits and create new attractions.
The Gulfarium perches right on the coastline, and because of its location the facility saw its two biggest challenges – one named Opal and the other Ivan.
Hurricane Opal in 1995 caused $2.2 million in damage and shut down the Gulfarium for more than a year. Although the damage to the property was extensive, the animal inhabitants fared well, according to Abrams.
In 2004, Hurricane Ivan shut the operation down for eight months and required a $1.5-million reconstruction effort.
Through these weather-related challenges, as well as the slow but constant evolution of the Emerald Coast from a sleepy fishing village to a high-profile tourist mecca, Florida’s Gulfarium has flourished. Each year, an estimated 150,000 people tour the marine park.
Siebenaler died in 2000, but his legacy is carried on with the involvement of his son Greg, who focuses on his father’s vision to "educate, inform and inspire" through one of the Emerald Coast’s most unique and viable tourist destinations.
* * *
Scott Jackson
Mindlace Media & Photo
Destin, Florida
© 2007 Scott Jackson
