“LA’s Own Marineland” is a 12-part, 10-hour podcast documenting the history of the west coast’s first oceanarium which operated at the tip of Rancho Palos Verdes, just outside of Los Angeles, California, from 1954 to 1987.
The show is hosted, written, and produced by Tod Perry who conducted over 20 hours of exclusive interviews with former employees and those closest to the park. The intimate discussions reveal the wonder of working with such magical animals in an awe-inspiring location and the heartbreak that came with the park’s abrupt closure.
The podcast also features extensive research culled from scholarly journals, newspaper stories, and archival information to bring together the park’s illustrious history.
Marineland was home to many historic events including the first-ever performing pilot whales and the first killer whales born in captivity. It was also a center for research on marine life and home to one of the west coast’s most prominent marine life rescues.
But millions remember it fondly as a place of discovery, fun, and wonder.
It was home to the world’s most popular pair of killer whales, Orky and Corky as well as Bubbles the pilot whale, and countless frolicking dolphins.
It was controversially closed in February 1987 after it was acquired by Harcourt, Brace, Jovanovich which owned SeaWorld at the time.
WARNING: If you listen to this podcast while seated in the first five rows you will get wet. You may get soaked.
Publisher
Tod Perry
Category
society & culture · society & culture · society & culture
In the twelfth and final episode of “LA’s Own Marineland,” we’re going to take a look at the park’s legacy and ponder what could have been if things turned out differently. We’ll also follow up on the lives of the animals that were transferred to other parks after Marineland's closure. Finally, we’ll get the last word on the Marineland from those who know it best and loved it most, Marinelanders themselves.
4 Jun 2023
Pt. 11: Trouble at SeaWorld
In episode 11 of "LA's Own Marineland," we'll explore Orky and Corky's journey from Marineland to SeaWorld San Diego and the controversy surrounding the opening of the new Shamu stadium. Meet James Monaghan, Marineland's new owner, and learn about his plans for a marine-themed hotel with park attractions.
10 May 2023
Pt. 10: Sunk
In episode 10 of "LA's Own Marineland," we delve into the park's last weeks, the fight to keep it open, and the intense public backlash against Harcourt Brace Jovanovich. We also explore HBJ's mishandling of animal transitions and the profound heartbreak experienced by employees and the local community after the closure.
2 Apr 2023
Pt. 9: Thieves in the Night
Episode 9 of "LA's Own Marineland" delves into the aftermath of Harcourt, Brace, Jovanovich's acquisition, highlighting the poignant night when Orky and Corky were relocated to SeaWorld. Additionally, we unravel an unforgettable night in the park's 33-year history, courtesy of Dave Mulligan.
9 Mar 2023
Pt. 8: Bubbles’ Friends, Costumed Characters, and Kiva
In the eighth episode of "LA's Own Marineland," the park flourishes by emphasizing its unique blend of interactive experiences and educational value. We explore the remarkable bond between Bubbles the pilot whale and her dolphin companions. Additionally, Corky gives birth to her longest-living calf, while an incident in the orca tank sends the Marineland community into a frenzy.
26 Feb 2023
Pt. 7: Guests Get Close-Up
In episode 7 of "LA's Own Marineland," we witness the park's strategic efforts to outshine its southern competition through the introduction of thrilling attractions that allow visitors to engage with marine life up close. This era also marks a groundbreaking shift towards emphasizing education and fostering rescue initiatives.
4 Feb 2023
Pt. 6: Eye to Eye with Orky and Corky
On the sixth episode of “LA’s Own Marineland, we’ll learn more about Orky and Corky from the Marinelanders who knew them best. We’ll also recount the park's grand re-opening/re-theming as Hanna-Barbera’s Marineland in 1978.
19 Jan 2023
Pt. 5: Corky’s Baby and From Fox to Hanna-Barbera
On our fifth episode of “LA’s Own Marineland" we discuss the brief, but bombastic, Twentieth Century Fox era of the park, led by the king of disaster films, Irwin Allen. Later, we’re going to get into the tanks with some Marineland trainers and learn how they got the animals to do such amazing behaviors. We’ll also revisit one of the park's greatest joys and tragedies, the birth of Corky’s first calf. Finally, the park goes into battle with two local municipalities over much-needed park improvements.
12 Dec 2022
Pt. 4: Orky and Corky Take Center Stage
On our fourth episode of “LA’s Own Marineland,” we’ll enter the 1970s and the new decade brings two new stars to Marineland, Orky and Corky. They would go on to become to most famous pair of killer whales in the world, but that was after a series of long-forgotten orcas passed through the Seaside Stadium. We’ll also discuss how the park's waning attendance led to it being sold to an iconic LA entertainment company.
28 Nov 2022
Pt. 3: Hello Hollywood, Bye Bye Bimbo
On episode three, we’ll discuss how Bimbo the pilot whale’s continuing troubles led Marineland staff to make a tough decision about his future. We’ll also look into the growing business of killer whale capture and retrace the beginnings of one of Marineland’s most iconic landmarks, the sky tower.
28 Nov 2022
Pt. 2: A Whale of a Star
On the second episode of “LA’s Own Marineland,” Bubbles the whale makes her debut at the park, turning around its fortunes and making headlines around the world. Later, a potential star attraction is reeled in in the Newport Beach harbor and we’ll meet one of the most beloved Marinelanders, trainer Art Thomas.
17 Jun 2022
Pt. 1: Henry Harris’ Dream
In our first episode of the podcast we’ll take a look at how Henry Harris was inspired to build Marineland after the success of Marine Studios in Florida. Later, we’ll follow the exploits of renowned fisherman Frank Brocato, captain of the Geronimo, who bravely amassed the greatest underwater menagerie the world has ever seen. Lastly, we’ll celebrate Marineland’s opening day on August 28, 1954, where not everything went according to plan.
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Apple Podcasts (US)
4.6 / 5
15 ratings
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