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| A volunteer shows off a horseshoe crab |
Musical extravaganza - Secrets of the Sea and the Performing Siberian Seal - have been playing to sell-out crowds but the Baharna (‘our sea’) section is also drawing a large number of visitors.
The aquarium exhibition features numerous creatively-designed water tanks and pools showcasing a diverse collection of more than 100 marine species.
Guided tours through this labyrinthine marine zoo are available with both Arabic and English commentaries.
If one’s curiosity extends to wanting to touch some of the “aquatic friends” then the ‘petting pool’ is a must. Here one can have a hands-on experience with star fish, sea cucumbers and the horseshoe crab.
The idea behind the festival is to educate and entertain. The learning angle at Baharna continues with video presentations showcased on a unique water screen and an interactive learning corner with touch screen quizzes and anatomical diagrams of stingrays and sharks.
The ‘fish of the day: aquarium’ features a different marine creature daily.
Other highlights of Baharna include live corals and coral reef inhabitants in a reef section flown in from the Pacific Ocean, the highly venomous puffer fish who inflates when threatened, the equally poisonous lion fish, the octopus – an eight-tentacled night-time predator - and the far more benign (and colourful) angel fish.
A helium-filled dolphin balloon is the parting gift for children at the end of the visit.
“The Secrets of the Sea and Performing Seals shows have been sell-outs every night of the festival but one should not forget the other 14 attractions at the QMF, of which Baharna is one. We’re very pleased with the attraction and the feedback we have been getting from visitors has been even more positive. It’s a good feeling when you deliver something that people are interested and excited by,” QMF organising committee general manager Dr Hamad al-Tamimi said.