The end of an era is upon us. Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium announced this week that Sunday, July 6, will be the last day the City Island aquarium will offer ticketed entry to the public. That's because Mote is preparing its animals and staff for transition to its new Science Education Aquarium at Nathan Benderson Park.

Mote's animals—which include sharks, sea turtles, otters, seahorses and more—will be transported to the new aquarium, where they will quarantine ahead of opening to ensure their utmost safety. Each animal requires its own set of adjustment guidelines, and staff will closely monitor them ahead of the new aquarium's opening. Meanwhile, Mote staff and volunteers will dig into training for new operations and make sure the water chemistry in the animals' habitats is stable. 

Because of the quarantine and training protocols, Mote leaders say they're not able to issue an official opening date at this time. With this announcement, though, we know it's coming soon. We'll keep you posted. 

Mote Aquarium's last day on City Island is Sunday, July 6. The new Mote Science and Education Aquarium (SEA) will open at 225 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota, on a date to be announced. For more information, click here.