FLORIDA, May 4 — With a total population of twelve, Weeki Wachee has more mermaids than humans.
Built in 1947 by a former US Navy recruit, the park is home to the world’s only mermaid show. Around 260,000 visitors come to Weeki Wachee every year to watch one of three daily performances.
Originally opened to showcase synchronised swimming underwater, with the mermaid costumes added as a twist in the 1960s.
While the mermaids certainly look the part, they are human after all, and rely on oxygen. “Our mermaids breathe underwater through an underwater air hose that was originally developed by Newton Perry. The young women here are able to control the amount of air that they inhale and how much they exhale, and that’s what keeps their buoyancy intact, because they’re not wearing weights,” said John Athanason, Marketing and PR manager of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
Spectators also get a chance to approach the elusive creatures, while for the younger ones, it’s a chance to touch their dream. — AFP-Relaxnews
