This past weekend, I got kissed on the cheek (twice) by a sea lion named Otto. Jokingly, I admitted that it felt like someone with a scruffy beard was kissing me… perhaps, like my husband! Sadly, it was just a one-day love affair… I met Otto during our visit to the Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City Beach, Florida.

We visited the park to film an upcoming video as part of my role as the VISIT FLORIDA Family Insider and had a great day meeting the animals and learning about them too. The girls were so excited to see so many animals in an up-close environment – one of the animals Maggie was most excited to see was the flamingos. Molly kept yelling “tick tock” each time we saw an alligator. (She was thinking about the ‘tick tock croc’ from Peter Pan.)

The educators at the park were extremely friendly and it was clear they loved their work. They were so willing to tell us stories about the animals that call the park their home.

One of the highlights for our family (besides my kiss from Otto) was meeting Cajun the bottlenose dolphin. The trainers taught as a few motions/signs to have Cajun play with us. She danced for us, squeaked and even let us rub her belly. She was such a beautiful dolphin. We couldn’t decide what she felt like – the trainer finally said ‘hot dogs’ and yes – that was it!

It was an incredible experience and a day filled with wonderful memories for our entire family. There’s nothing better than learning about animals than to actually ‘meet’ the animals. It’s an educational experience unlike no other and I’m so glad I was able to witness it with my girls.

If you’re ever in the Panama City Beach area, stop by the Gulf World Marine Park – it’s directly across from the beach and I promise you won’t be disappointed. And when you go, be sure to tell Otto that I said hello!

Have you been to Gulf World Marine Park?