"Marine Studios" was established in 1938 as part of the then-thriving Florida movie industry (as a place where underwater filing could take place year round). Through the 40's and 50's, a number of the Johnny Weissmueller Tarzan movies were filmed here, then in 1954 the underwater scenes for the classic horror film Creature From the Black Lagoon, and its 1957 sequel Revenge of the Creature were filmed here. As the film industry in Florida began to decline, Marine Studios changed its name to Marineland and became one of the biggest tourist attractions in Florida, featuring trained dolphin shows. In 1971, however, Walt Disney World opened in nearby Orlando, followed in 1973 by Sea World, and the tourist industry in the rest of Florida began to dry up. Then several of Marineland's buildings were damaged by storms and hurricanes. From 2004 to 2006, the old structures were torn down and replaced, and reopened as the Marineland Dolphin Conservation Center. Instead of shows with trained animals, the new focus was on rescue and rehabilitation of wild sea animals, and interactive educational experiences for visitors. In 2011, Marineland became a part of the Georgia Aquarium. Here are some photos from a recent visit:
The medical tanks for rescued Sea Turtles.
One of the keepers chatting with us about the turtles.
Rescued Loggerhead.
Rescued Green Sea Turtle.
Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin.
Dolphin tanks.
One of the Dolphins watching us curiously.
Underwater viewing area.
Dolphins checking out the tourists.
Shaking flippers. The dolphins don't do shows, but they are able to interact with the tourists.
Octopus.
Conch.
Tidal pool exhibit.