- December 4, 2025
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Anyone who has brought home a goldfish from the pet store is likely familiar with the basic process of catching, quarantining and acclimating a fish to a new tank. Now, imagine that process scaled up to coordinate everything from alligators to manatees, from minuscule seahorses to titanic tarpon.
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is officially getting the moving process underway this week as it shifts public-facing exhibits from City Island to its new Mote Science Education Aquarium at Nathan Benderson Park in East Sarasota County.
As volunteers with Mote described it, visitation at the island-based center experienced a "massive uptick" with waves of people bidding their final farewells to the public-facing facility. Mote announced on June 18 that it would officially close to visitors after July 6 while staff focuses on preparing for the upcoming move to a larger facility west of I-75 near University Town Center.
Mote has yet to announce an official opening day for the new facility.
Visitors shared this moment is bittersweet for longtime supporters. Many appreciate how a bigger, modernized facility will hopefully increase Mote Marine's reach and capacity to help the marine animals they so love, perhaps even inspiring more future marine biologists and experts.
But Longboat Key residents shared their sorrow to see a significant chapter in the island's history close.
Mote Marine has provided up-close, awe-inspiring encounters with some of Florida's most beloved aquatic animals for generations. Its origins date back to 1955, when marine science devotee Dr. Eugenie Clark founded the one-room lab in Cape Haze that later earned the moniker "Mote Marine Laboratory" after benefactor William Mote. From the early days, Clark placed a premium on philanthropy and community partnerships.
Marine experts opened the City Island aquarium in the early 1980s. Its capacity grew year to year, taking in manatees, sharks, fish, alligators and a full myriad of other oceanic animals.
The organization grew to include many facets, from educational programming to injured animal rescue missions and rehabilitation efforts.
In the interest of expanding its reach, Mote moved forward with plans to open a new $132 million facility. This new public-facing center frees up the City Island facility to focus on research and rescue efforts.
Upon hearing news of the impending public closure, visitors packed the aquarium this week, waving to Shelley the Loggerhead Turtle, giggling at the center's pair of river otters happily splashing about amid the summer rainstorms, and taking a final opportunity to give a gentle, two-fingered touch to the sandpapery skin of juvenile epaulette sharks.
Visitors David and Amanda Trocker, who became full-time Longboat Key residents last year but have been coming to the island for about seven years, were among the many making their final trips this week.
They said they look forward to seeing the new Mote SEA when it opens. However, nothing will ever quite replace the personal touches that make Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium unique, from the guides who know the quirks and facts about every animal to the intimate venue.
"Unlike other aquariums where it is all for show, here, you feel it was really designed for the habitat, to give visitors a better appreciation and feel for the local environment and sea life," David said. "I'm going to miss it."
Amanda added, "The docents are amazing with how knowledgeable they are. You really feel they love to come here. These guys, like Shelley, are their family, as much as anyone else."
The timeline for the new aquarium depends upon two main factors.
Vice President Kevin Cooper explained in a press release that marine experts need to carefully calibrate water chemistry and critical life support, specifically focusing on how microbes in the water interact.
He wrote that staff also need to ensure there are no potentially harmful water-soluble materials left in the exhibits from their construction.
While experts are keeping a close eye on thoroughly leaching out those components, part of the process is simply a waiting game.
The second major step is safely quarantining, transferring and acclimating the animals moving to Mote SEA. Veterinary staff will also be keeping a close eye on how well the inhabitants settle in to their new enclosures.
"Until such time that all animals have fully acclimated to their new habitats, Mote SEA will not open for general admission," Cooper wrote.
He continued, "Ceasing public operations of Mote Aquarium on City Island immediately after the 4th of July weekend will allow Mote SEA to open as soon as possible."
Up until the final day on July 6, the aquarium plans to be open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway. Tickets are $29 for adults, $21 for children ages 3 to 12, and free for infants ages 2 and younger. Call 941-383-4441 with inquiries.
