A new exhibit featuring some of the world’s most mysterious creatures has opened at the National Sea Life Centre in Birmingham. Guests sampled jelly-inspired mocktails and sweet treats as the attraction was unveiled to families.
Months in the making, the new ‘Jelly Invaders’ exhibit stars five different jellyfish species from across the globe, from the bizarre freshwater ‘upside down jellyfish’ to the glittering ‘sea nettle’ variety from the Indo-Pacific.
The unique creatures are the true Jekyll and Hydes of the marine world, with their harmless, tranquil appearance belying highly efficient hunting tactics and stingers.
The new experience will allow visitors to get a close encounter to these mystical creatures, with diverse species of jellies in a variety of colourful interactive displays.
Jonny Rudd, curator at the aquarium, said: “The new exhibit lifts the lid on this mysterious species. Jellyfish are actually older than dinosaurs, as it’s believed they first swam in our oceans some 500 million years ago. With more than 350 different species, there’s a lot to uncover!”
Despite their name, jellyfish aren’t actually a type of fish and are instead classed in a group of their own, due to them being unlike any other creature on earth.
“But jellies get a bad press,” explains Jonny.“Most are completely harmless to humans; it’s only a few such as the sea nettle jellyfish that give them a bad name as they can cause a painful sting.
“Jellies remain key to our ecosystem as they feed larger sea creatures, however one of the main fascinations is in their coastline invasions.”
Jellyfish flourish in conditions created by global warming, pollution and overfishing, as evidenced by their invasions onto UK coastlines as recently as last year.
“Jellies are superbly adapted to plug the gaps when other species decline, which is one reason why there have been such huge swarms of jellyfish appearing in recent years.
“Some scientists believe that jellyfish are even poised to take over the oceans one day.”
Jelly Invaders is included with all entry tickets. Guests can delve deeper into the jellyfish life cycle including the aquarium’s breeding programme on a Behind the Scenes Tour (additional charge of £3.50 applies).
The Merlin Entertainments-owned attraction is home to more than 2,000 aquatic inhabitants in over 60 immersive displays, including the UK’s only 360° tropical ocean tunnel.
