It's been a dreary rainy day here at Marineland.  During a break in the rain, we visited Marineland Dolphin Adventure, across the street from the marina. Marineland is celebrating its 75th Anniversary this year -- having originally opened in 1938. 

The tanks contain 1.3 million gallons of water and the dolphins range in age from two years to sixty years -- Nellie, the oldest living dolphin in captivity, turned 60 in February.  The normal lifespan is 20-25 years.   It was a cold and blustery day, but one family donned wetsuits and went into the water to interact with the dolphins.  It was delightful to watch them.

We also took the "Behind the Seas" tour led by our docent, Sharon, who has been volunteering at Marineland for about ten years.  She was very knowledgeable and told us all about the history of the place and the sea life it contains.  We had a wonderful afternoon.

We just made it back in time before the rain began again in earnest.  We had planned to leave tomorrow, but are in the middle of a Nor'Easter so we will be staying until at least Tuesday.  Here are some of today's photos:

Welcome to Marineland Dolphin Adventure

Nellie, the oldest dolphin in captivity turned 60 in February

The Atlantic Ocean -- we've not seen in a while

Whitney Park inspired by Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney

Commemorative arch to Whitney Park

We loved watching the graceful dolphins swim and dive

Dolphins are majestic creatures

Dolphins eat about 20 pounds of fish every day

They know exactly what is in those buckets!

This trainer is teaching these dolphins to float on their backs

A big leap up out of the water

And a graceful re-entry into the water

Stunning!

This dolphin swam over, then stood up for a few minutes

The trainers use hand signals to teach the dolphin

There are placards explaining all about dolphins

Sharon, our docent was extremely knowledgeable

Happy 60th Birthday, Nellie!!

This photo was taken in 1938 as the tank was being built. The frame is made from one of the original windows

Sharon explains how this machine detects echo location which is how the dolphins communicate with each other.

Many "Sea Hunt" episodes were filmed here, as well as several Tarzan movies and Clint Eastwood's debut role in the movie "Revenge of the Creature" was also filmed here.

New horseshoe crabs in quarantine

Feeding the green moray eel --- UGH!

The layout of the tanks

Happy 75th, Marineland!!