Workers from Brang Construction build new tanks at Gumbo
Limbo Nature Center. Photo by Mary Thurwachter
Work continues on the sea tank project at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, which will mean four new saltwater tanks — two shallow and two deep.
The tanks will have side-viewing windows and have a hard roof with fans and lights, says Stefanie Ouellette, nature center manager. The deep tanks will have a second-story viewing gallery.
Partly funded by a $1 million put aside by the Boca Raton Beach and Park District, the tank project is expected to be finished in February. Brang Construction of Boca Raton is doing the work.
Friends of Gumbo Limbo, the nature center’s fundraising arm, has committed to raising $300,000 to provide replica habitats, native residents and interactive displays for the new tanks.
To date, $145,000 has been raised.
In the meantime, Gumbo Limbo continues with its regular business hours (9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday), programs and tours.
The old turtle tanks have been moved off-site to house FAU research animals and Gumbo Limbo animals that can’t be released. Turtle walks and hatchling releases continue as scheduled.
— Staff report
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