Nellie’s memory lives on at Marineland: Aquatic Park worth a visit
A story in the St. Augustine Record appeared recently about the passing of Nellie, the longest-lived dolphin in human care. Her caretakers at Marineland Dolphin Adventure, an aquatic attraction located south of St. Augustine, said the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin was born Feb. 27, 1953 at Marineland.
Nellie jumped through hoops and interacted with trainers at Marineland’s dolphin shows. During her lifetime, she gave birth to three calves: in June of 1967, June of 1978 and Jan. of 1984. “Nellie will be missed by many,” said the movers Jacksonville, Fl.
“(Nellie) fostered a love of the ocean and promoted marine conservation to thousands throughout her lifetime,” the marine park said on its Facebook page, adding that her memory will live on in the lives she touched. A memorial service was held at the park in May for the 61-year-old Nellie and attended by young and old, noted the movers Jacksonville, Fl. Admission to the park that day was free in Nellie’s honor.
Marineland – as everyone calls it – is billed as the world’s first oceanarium. It celebrated its 75th anniversary last year. It is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historical Places. It offers plenty of educational programs for adults and children.
And, if you’d like to swim with the dolphins, you can do so.
Also on tap is a new experience, a behind-the-scenes and below-the-deck tour of the facility and new animal exhibit named “Behind the Seas.”
Of course, an encounter with a dolphin is worth the trip to Marineland, said the movers Jacksonville, Fl.
Written by: Patricia A. Russell
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