Under the Sea: By Aloise Schmitt


or nearly 75 years, Marineland Dolphin Adventure’s mission has been research, conservation, and education about marine


life and the environment. “[E]very person that comes through our doors we try to educate one way or another,” says Kurt Allen, general manager and senior vice president of Marineland. “I think it’s one of the most important things we do.” A healthy amount of fun is also included at the St. Augustine facility where 13 dolphins and several other species call home. General admission at Marineland allows


guests to observe and learn about marine life. First Coast mom Jennifer Melville says she and her four children enjoyed learning about dolphins’ life cycle and diet, as well as the rehabilitation work done at Marineland. “It is educational and they have a good mission,” she says. Krista Anderson, another park guest, says she appreciated that many of the dolphins at Marineland had been born and raised there. “It’s a nice place for the dolphins and the people who learn there.”


For a more in-depth learning experience,


the Behind the Seas tour educates participants about Marineland’s history, their conservation efforts and the effects of local geography on wildlife. Te tour features more than 10 exhibits of animals native to the southeastern United States.


Photo courtesy of Marineland Dolphin Adventure


Marineland’s interactive programs


include Dolphin Designs, where participants hold up a canvas for a dolphin to paint. “It’s a ball for the kids, I’ve got to tell you,” says Kurt. “Most of [the paintings] end up getting framed and put on a bedroom wall somewhere.” Te children can then “meet the artist,” similar to the Touch and Feed program, which gives individuals the opportunity to pet the dolphins and feed them a snack.


For guests who want to literally dip their


toes in the pool of knowledge, Marineland offers two programs for swimming with the dolphins—Discover Dolphins, which takes place in shallow water, and the Immersion, which takes place in deep water. Both programs are approved for children as young as 5 years old with parental guidance. Te most involved daily program is Trainer for a Day. Te five-hour course allows participants to experience a day in the life of a dolphin trainer.


Nancy Lesser and her family swam with


the dolphins at Marineland. She describes it as a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience. “You’ve got to experience what it’s like to touch a dolphin and be up close, it’s really a treasure.” Nancy has explored many environmentally-focused activities on the First Coast and ranks Marineland at the top of her list. “Particularly if you have children, it’s a wonderful experience…you don’t feel for a minute that the animals are just there for your entertainment. It is clear that they are loved by their caretakers,” she says. “Tey do a beautiful job, they really do.”


Marineland also offers two comprehensive


summer camp programs for children and teens interested in marine sciences. “It is such an extraordinary experience for the kids, just to be completely immersed in the environment,”


says Marineland’s Education Manager Meredith Horn. “Tese camps are definitely built and designed to be not just educational, but also engaging.”


Tis summer in particular will see some


extra special events as Marineland celebrates its 75th anniversary and the 60th birthday of resident Nellie, the world’s oldest dolphin. “She [Nellie] herself has had quite the legacy and has left such a huge mark on a lot of people,” says Jessica Fontana, public relations specialist for Marineland. Lecture series in April, May and June will break into Marineland’s rich history, and Nellie’s birthday celebration at the end of May will kick off a month of special events, culminating around the anniversary on June 23. Don’t miss this chance to be a part of the next phase of Marineland’s history!


For more information, visit marineland.net. Family! | 35


Photos courtesy of Marineland Dolphin Adventure


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