We got a child's ticket to the Dolphin Conservation Marine Park from the Coffs Harbour Show over the weekend. Little miss was quite excited to visit. The first thing she wanted to do was get a photo with the stuffed dolphin in the gift shop (it's name was fin) and apparently that was the highlight of the day for her.
We had a look around the park before we headed over to the main stadium to see the show. The dolphins were playing ball and we got to play with them. For me that was an amazing opportunity to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures. Little miss had a ball (get it?) throwing the balls to the dolphins.
We took our seats in the grand stand and while we waited for the show to start the lady asked if anyone had questions. Of course little miss had questions and hers was, why weren't these dolphins in the wild? A great question. And the answer? They were all born in captivity and any animal born in captivity can't be released. They're parents had both been rescued.
We loved watching Ellie the Sea Lion get up and take centre stage. It was amazing to see her up close and she was very funny. The dolphins did tricks to a dreamtime story being played by one of the elders. It really was an amazing show.
We explored the rest of the park, learning about the penguins, seals and sea lions, turtle and fish. My favourite part was the penguins. They were the cutest little things I've ever seen and they were collecting nesting material for breeding season. I've never seen a penguin collect leaves and bits of bark, it was interesting how picky they were picking out only the best bits. I did also find it amusing when the female then went into the breeding box and kicked everything out.
After a bite to eat at the cafe we had one last walk around the park before we headed off. They did have some opportunities to have close encounters with the animals, and although we didn't have any of these additional encounters Little miss was really happy to play ball with the dolphins.
Dolphin Conservation Marine Park
- We love dolphins
- This is a lovely park
- I love that they are trying to rehabilitate the animals
- They are all about the animals
- The penguins were super cute
- I love how picky they are with their nesting material
- The seals and sea lions were incredible to watch swimming around
- I think I had more fun than little miss
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