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Marineland
Californias first Major theMe Park
written By deniSe Kano
ask anyone who was around the South Bay from the 1950s through the 1980s about marineland, and youll likely get a wistful, far-off look in return. for many Southern californians, marineland evokes strong childhood memories maybe the first time they saw a whale jump out of the water, experienced sea life and learned about our nearby ocean, or observed dolphins up close. in 1954, one year before disneyland opened, the worlds largest oceanarium at that time proudly opened its doors to the public. located on the serene palos Verdes peninsula coast, marineland hosted millions of visitors before it permanently closed in 1987. Bubbles, a short-finned pilot whale, was the first whale caught for captivity in 1957. caught off the catalina channel, Bubbles was believed to be about seven years old at the time. although Bubbles died a year or so later, she was replaced with another female pilot whale, also given the name of Bubbles. this was never communicated to the public, said patrick helbling, director of the marineland of the pacific historical Society. this second Bubbles continued performing for decades. Shes now approximately 63 years old the oldest whale in captivity and at Sea world in San diego. Bubbles is a wonderful testament to the care she received originally at marineland and later on at Sea world.

the early years

at the time of marinelands development, the 90-acre coastal site wasnt much more than a remote piece of real estate. however, visionary henry w. harris saw it as the prime spot to build a large attraction where people could watch and enjoy life under the sea. with an initial investment of five million dollars, harris set about creating a unique ocean-based theme park where tourists would be entertained by the antics of dolphins and sea lions while learning about sea life through interactive displays and exhibits. his dream was to build the most original, exciting, and educational destination on the pacific coast. the main building was designed by william l. pereira, noted for his futuristic designs during the 40s and 50s. the outside circular ramps provided a space-age feel that directed the public up to three different levels. in reality, the ramps were structural requirements that supported two elevated tanks of nearly 2 million gallons of water. in 1966, a Sky tower was installed and rose more than 400 feet above sea level. the tower provided a four-minute, 90-mile view of the ocean. the revolving, two-level elevator held up to 30 passengers on each level.

goodbye, marineland
marineland was purchased in 1987 by harcourt, Brace, Jovanovich, the owners of Sea world, San diego. although the new owners promised to keep marineland open, it was abruptly closed six weeks after the sale was completed. the treasured killer whales, orky and corky, and other animals, were moved to Sea world. it was one of the saddest days i can remember, said Jerry goldsmith, former director of exhibits. much of the infrastructure remained relatively untouched for almost 20 years. the Sky tower stood until 1995, when it was demolished. in June of 2009, the terranea resort opened on the site. former marineland employees are a close-knit group and in 2007, some gathered at Sea world for a 20th reunion and watched their beloved corky perform (now known as Shamu). ive talked to the old timers and we all agree that marineland was the funnest job we ever had, said goldsmith. it was the best time of our lives.

popular sea life attractions

while home to dolphins, sea lions, harbor seals, sharks, and a variety of other sea creatures, marineland soon became primarily known for its performing orcas or killer whales. orky and corky were two of the most famous killer whales on exhibit. other popular attractions included the Baja reef, a swim-through aquarium which was the first of its kind, as well as a diver show and the seal & dolphin circus.

more marineland information

the point Vicente interpretive center, located a half-mile north from the former marineland site, has a marineland exhibit which includes artifacts, memorabilia, and souvenirs.

for information on marinelandS hiStory, architecture, & photographS, go to www.marinelandofthepacific.org.

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SouthBaydigS.com | 3.23.2012

the famous sky tower.

aerial view of marinel and, 1958.

all photographs courtesy of the marineland of the pacific historical society.

bubbles the whale and trainer david brown, marinel ands first curator of mammals. January 1959. marinel and, 1969.