Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for initiating a thrill-seeking ride from a raised access platform, the ride having a water slide descending at a predetermined angle with respect to the platform and wherein the slide has a support or "riding" surface located along a predetermined plane. According to the method, the rider is placed in a substantially erect position within a housing while the housing is located at a first position on the raised access platform. The housing has at least a back and a releasable bottom. Thereafter, the housing with the rider therein is extended from the first position on the raised access platform to a second position wherein the back of the housing is substantially aligned with the predetermined plane of the slide support surface. The bottom of the housing is then released to drop the rider onto the water slide.