Marineland of New Zealand





This Marineland seems to accept marine animals that are injured, or would otherwise die if sent back to the ocean. There are 2 preforming dolphins, and a fur seal which they use as a preformance to show the public some tricks which they have learnt.

However, one gets a better understanding of this place if you go on the behind the scenes tour every morning, before the first show.

You are taught how to stroke the dolphins correctly, and you can help feed them some fish. You are also shown all the other animals, and learn of the circumstance as to why they are living in the Marineland rather than in the ocean. There are seals, sea lions, many types of penguin, otters, gannets..... The staff go to great lengths to explain the amount of care that they give to all the animals, and you also get to see the kitchen where they prepare the foods in individual servings for individual animals.

I felt that the enclosures were quite small and old despite the attention that the animals are given, and I had seen better preformances at other Marinelands around the world. But they must be commended for looking after sick/injured animals, and children may find the shows fun.

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