The initiative was part of commemorations for the International Day for Older Persons, which is usually celebrated on 1 October.
Faro Council said the trip to Zoomarine “started with an initiative by the Department for Social Development and Education, which had the support of a significant group of institutions that perform worthy social work” in the county.
The initiative sought to promote “active aging” and “the process of education and development between generations”, the council explained.
In related news, Zoomarine will also be hosting the IMATA (International Marine Animal Trainers’ Association) annual conference, from 14 to 19 October.
The keynote speaker at the event is Javier Almunia, director of Loro Parque Fundación, an NGO that funds and implements wildlife conservation projects in over 40 countries around the world; President Elect of the European Association for Aquatic Mammals (EAAM); and Vice-president of the Iberian Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Invited guest speakers include Mats Amudin, Senior Zoological Advisor at the Kolmården Wildlife Park in Sweden, the largest zoo in Scandinavia, and Dr. Geraldine Lacave, an expert in marine mammal veterinary services.
The conference aims to promote communication, professionalism and cooperation between those who serve marine life, to help network and exchange ideas between marine animal trainers internationally.
IMATA is dedicated to providing and advancing the most professional, effective and humane care of marine animals in all habitats. Its responsibilities include striving to continue the existence of oceanaria, aquaria and laboratories housing marine animals.