The dolphins of Marineland, St. Augustine, Florida and their historic home have been saved – Thanks to YOU!
Through unprecedented collaboration between dolphin-loving folks of all kinds – local residents, high school students, dolphin experts, real estate developers, attorneys, and even a federal judge – the dolphins can continue their important efforts among humanity at Marineland.
Now, our work together embarks upon a new chapter of marine education, dolphin research, wellness programs and global stewardship. There is much to be done. We hope you'll continue to be part of our team. Keep reading to find out more.
You'll love this new song and video (above), celebrating the community effort that preserved Marineland for the dolphins. Just click and enjoy!
And below, you can also enjoy the original song and video that helped galvanize community support to Save the Dolphins at Marineland.
A few of the dolphins you helped save!
Marineland has a highly successful record of dolphins living very long lives in this habitat and is the birthplace of much of the world's current knowledge about dolphins!
The dolphins at Marineland already have deep bonds with each other and with their human caretakers who have dedicated their lives to them.
Our new community coalition, Save Marineland Dolphins, includes marine mammal specialists already familiar with these dolphins, as well as experienced dolphin researchers.
We'll be improving the lives of the dolphins with our specialized evolving enrichment program and two-way communication game, designed to ultimately allow the dolphins to direct their own daily programs. YOU are invited to be part of this important program by visiting in person to play with the dolphins using this unique communication platform.
You can also help us improve Marineland for the Dolphins with your donations.
Recognized as the world’s first oceanarium and dolphinarium, many people in Florida and beyond say their first connection to dolphins was at Marineland. Generations of dedicated conservationists and scientists launched their illustrious research careers at this historic park. Marineland has educated millions of guests about dolphins, turtles, coral reefs and other marine life conservation.
Read the latest news: https://flaglerlive.com/marineland-survives
This iconic dolphin habitat is officially recognized for its significance in American history on the National Register of Historic Places.
Marineland has a highly successful record of dolphins living very long lives in this habitat. The dolphins living at Marineland, some of them for their entire lives will now be able to stay in their bonded social groups with family ties. Nellie, born at the facility in 1953, lived to be an astounding 61 years old and was a national icon. Her son, Sunny is 41 yrs old and still lives at Marineland, with his offspring Oli and Surge. Right now, the most senior dolphin living at Marineland is Betty, 54 yrs., who lives with both her daughter Dazzle, 36 yrs., and her granddaughter Casique 23 yrs. Other dolphin residents include Comet, now 20 yrs old, who was rescued after stranding alone as a calf in 2005 and has never been releasable, and Lightning, 47 yrs old, who was rescued from a gunshot wound in the wild in 1989.
Marineland Dolphin Adventures of St. Augustine is the first dolphinarium in the world (1938) and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is an important landmark globally, nationally, and regionally. This iconic home of the dolphins deserves protection.
As the first place for dolphins to live among humans, Marineland has played a major role in humanity discovering that dolphins are intelligent mammals and not just a big fish in the sea. Many important research projects have taken place at Marineland with new research already planned, including a game-changing evolving enrichment & communication interface for the dolphins.
Marineland has educated millions of guests about dolphins, turtles, coral reefs and other marine life conservation. Marineland continues to serve the community with important environmental stewardship education via their daily programs, field trips and popular summer camps for students.
Marineland's National and Global Impact and Legacy
Throughout its storied history, Marineland Dolphin Adventure (Marineland) park has been the site of much groundbreaking scientific discovery. These discoveries include: humans first learning how to care for dolphins, understanding dolphin anatomy, the first live birth of dolphins in human care, discovering that dolphins were intelligent and could learn behaviors, discovering dolphin echolocation, analyzing dolphin signature whistles, and much more. Marineland is the birthplace of dolphin research.
Marineland’s renown history is verified by its official listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
Since its opening in 1938 as Marineland Studios, when much of humanity still thought of dolphins as fish, it was the first to educate and inspire the public to care about dolphins, other marine life, and our oceans. The dolphin interaction programs at Marineland have facilitated more than 100,000 people meeting dolphins up close in meaningful ways.
When taking into consideration that an estimated 350,000* cetaceans (dolphins, whales and porpoises) are killed by industrial fishing boats each year, the important conservation role of Marineland cannot be overstated. (*Statistics from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s 2012 dolphin mortality study.) These sad figures do not include deaths by plastics, toxins, and other pollutants, nor does it include cetacean deaths by military and industrial sound pollution, and ship strikes common near busy ports.
Recognized as the world’s first oceanarium and dolphinarium, many people in Florida and beyond say their first connection to dolphins was at Marineland. Generations of dedicated conservationists and scientists launched their illustrious research careers at this historic park.
Through Marineland’s robust community outreach program, residents and global visitors from all walks of life have enjoyed learning about marine wildlife at this iconic institution. Marineland holds a unique and irreplaceable role for both the local community, as well as national and international visitors.
Notable scientists and conservationists who conducted research at Marineland through the decades.
Marineland's legacy in marine research and conservation is undeniable, with many scientists and experts contributing to our current understanding of dolphins and other marine life. The facility has been the research site of highly notable conservationists and scientists like Jacques Costeau, Dr. John Lilly, Dr. Adam Pack, Dr. Arthur McBride, Adolph Frohn, Sam Gurin, Drs. Melba and David Caldwell, B.C. Townsend, Dr. Lou Herman, Dr. Ken Norris, Dr. Randy Wells, Dr. Doug Perrine, Dr. Jesse White, Dr. Greg Bossart, Dr. Robin Baird, Dr. Scott Kraus and the University of Florida.
The National Register of Historic Places recognizes Marineland's significance in American history, architecture, and culture.
· Listing Date: April 14, 1986 Reference Number: 86000831
Historic Name: Marine Studios
Current Name: Marineland Dolphin Adventure
To make a donation over $5,000 email us at [email protected]