Aquarium Hosts "Spend a Night at the Aquarium" Event, Complaints About Clapping Sounds Disturbing Sleep; Culprit Turns Out to be "Stingrays"

Have you ever visited an aquarium? Whether in Taiwan or abroad, many places have aquariums to explore. Observing the animals that inhabit our oceans and rivers can be incredibly fascinating. But have you ever thought about spending a night at an aquarium?

The Muroto Schoolhouse Aquarium (むろと廃校水族館) in Kochi Prefecture, Japan, has recently launched a unique event inviting guests to experience life in the aquarium overnight. This innovative concept allows visitors to closely observe marine life and engage in the daily routines of aquarium staff, attracting numerous participants.

Unique Experiences

During one of these overnight events, some children reported hearing clapping sounds throughout the night, which disrupted their sleep. Curious about this strange phenomenon, they decided to investigate. To their surprise, they discovered that the source of the clapping was actually the stingrays in the adjacent tank. Being nocturnal creatures, the stingrays were making rhythmic sounds as they interacted with their environment, which the children humorously referred to as "clapping."

"Should we reduce the number of stingrays?" joked the aquarium staff, highlighting the amusing situation.

Many online users initially thought this scenario might lead to a horror story but found it amusing that it was simply the stingrays creating what they called clapping sounds. Some even speculated that these stingrays were excited to see visitors so late at night and wanted to play.

バチャバチャしてた pic.twitter.com/99LHOPBaYp

— うぃどん (@Flowing_wind_1) July 29, 2023

Visitor Reactions

This unexpected reaction has led many people to view the overnight aquarium experience as an intriguing opportunity. It provides a rare chance to feel close to marine life and has sparked interest in future events like this one. Many hope that similar experiences could be organized at aquariums in Taiwan as well, blending tourism with educational elements.

国立室戸青少年自然の家主催「水族館に泊まろう！」第2弾が終了。

昨夜は「手拍子がうるさくて眠れない」との訴え。

やめさせようと出向むくと…エイが水槽をパチパチ叩いていました。

写真はおととい（第１弾）の様子で、この時は大人しかったのですが…。

「エイ加減にして」と伝えました。 pic.twitter.com/uIdr5VVpDb

— むろと廃校水族館 (@murosui_kochi) August 8, 2024

Conclusion

What do you think about the idea of spending a night at an aquarium? It seems like a creative way to combine learning and fun, especially if paired with effective marketing strategies and supportive measures. The Muroto Schoolhouse Aquarium continues to innovate and provide unique experiences that connect people with marine life.