Marineland Dolphin Adventure Marineland

[okapikpr]

This is the originial marine park - before Sea World, Marine World, and all the other little marineparks littered along the pacific, gulf, and atlantic coasts of the US.

Located south of St Augustine, FL and opened in 1938 as "Marine Studios". Its original purpose was to create underwater scenes for various Hollywood films. Though it became a hit with the tourists very quick.

Marineland was a forerunner at the time in dolphin husbandry and marine biology research due to its collection. Including the first captive dolphin birth, the first training programs for dolphins, and a one time curator was the "first" to hypothisize that dolphins uses echolocation. The facility has also house California Sea Lions, Pilot Whales, Amazon River Dolphins, Florida Manatees, Penguins, and other various marinelife over the years.

The original Marineland is now gone, completely demolished in 2004 and reopened as the Dolphin Conservation Center in 2006.

Welcome to Marineland

Recently, with financial help from the Georgia Aquarium, Marineland was able to open a rescue and rehabilitation facility to care for injured marine animals in the Georgia/North Florida area.

Georgia Aquarium Partners With Marineland - Jacksonville News Story - WJXT Jacksonville

 

[okapikpr]

Oldest dolphin in captivity turn 59 years old...

What's new at Marineland?


02/27/2009: Nellie Does it Again! World's Oldest Dolphin in Human Care Turns 56!!


Photo provided by Marineland’s Dolphin Conservation Center

Nellie, the world’s oldest dolphin in human care celebrated her 56th birthday today with friends and fans at Marineland’s Dolphin Conservation Center. Festivities included a round of “Happy Birthday” led by children and a longtime fan who shares Nellie’s name. Visitors from around the state as well as a few from around the country took part in this event in honor of this remarkable animal. A unique ice cake was prepared by staff with a variety of fish and squid making it a one-of-a-kind birthday centerpiece. Nellie splashed out her candles and didn’t seem to mind attention at all.

Nellie continues to surprise her caregivers, friends and fans as she approaches her 56th birthday. As the 9th animal listed in the North American Bottlenose Dolphin Studbook, Nellie has amazed even those closest to her with her good health and resilience at this stage of life. Daughter of Happy and Susie, Nellie was born at Marineland on February 27th, 1953. Having already lived more than twice the average lifespan of a female Atlantic Bottlenose dolphin in the wild, Nellie continues to eat well, socialize with her peers, interact with staff and the occasional guest, and play with enrichment devices daily. Curator Kevin Roberts states, “We all need to be amazed at Nellie’s longevity. As we celebrate this occasion each year, we are ecstatic and hope to celebrate many more.”

Nellie starred in shows at Marineland's dolphin stadium during the 50's, 60's and beyond as well as in Timex watch commercials in the 1960's. She continues to be the mascot for Jacksonville University and has received both an honorary undergraduate degree from the school in 1970 and a master’s degree in marine science in 2008. Staff members are thrilled to celebrate each birthday with Nellie, and recognize the need to be grateful for each and every day with this extraordinary animal.

What's new at Marineland?