FISH AND MARINE MAMMAL OBSERVATORY FEATURING A CAROUSEL THAT MOVES WITHIN A SEALED AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT

摘要

A fish and marine mammal aquatic observatory. The observatory comprises an outer cylindrical wall and an inner cylindrical wall that define an enclosed annular volume. The inner cylindrical wall is formed of a transparent material, e.g., glass or reinforced plastic. The enclosed annular volume is partially filled with a body of sea water that includes fish and marine mammal animals and other aquatic plants. The observatory further includes a carousel or platform supported on a tower located along a longitudinal axis of the observatory. An outer diameter of the carousel substantially abuts the inner cylindrical wall of the observatory. The carousel is accessible to participants when located at a first or upper position above the enclosed annular volume of water. A lift mechanism moves the carousel from the first, upper position to a second, lower position within the enclosed annular volume of water. As the carousel moves between the first and second positions, it is also rotated to afford viewers a panoramic, substantially 360° view of the enclosed aquatic environment.