LA's Own Marineland

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    • Tod Perry

LA’s Own Marineland

A 12-part podcast documenting the rise and fall of the iconic oceanarium featuring interviews with former employees and those closest to the park.

Marineland of the Pacific was an oceanarium in Palos Verdes, California that operated from 1954 to 1987. It was famous for is performing killer whales Orky and Corky, pilot whales Bubbles and Bimbo, and its incredible location overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The park was controversially closed in 1987 after being purchased by Harcourt, Brace, Jovanovich.

  • Pt. 12: Marineland’s Legacy

    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…

    June 25, 2023

    TWO WAYS TO SUPPORT THE SHOW: Subscribe on Patreon and listen to 20 full interviews OR send us a few dollars on PayPal.

    Pt. 12: Marineland’s Legacy
  • 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.

    June 4, 2023

    TWO WAYS TO SUPPORT THE SHOW: Subscribe on Patreon and listen to 20 full interviews OR send us a few dollars on PayPal.

    Pt. 11: Trouble at SeaWorld
  • 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.

    May 9, 2023

    TWO WAYS TO SUPPORT THE SHOW: Subscribe on Patreon and listen to 20 full interviews OR send us a few dollars on PayPal.

    Pt. 10: Sunk
  • 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.

    April 2, 2023

    TWO WAYS TO SUPPORT THE SHOW: Subscribe on Patreon and listen to 20 full interviews OR send us a few dollars on PayPal.

    Pt. 9: Thieves in the Night
  • 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…

    March 9, 2023

    TWO WAYS TO SUPPORT THE SHOW: Subscribe on Patreon and listen to 20 full interviews OR send us a few dollars on PayPal.

    Pt. 8: Bubbles’ Friends, Costumed Characters, and Kiva
  • 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.

    February 25, 2023

    TWO WAYS TO SUPPORT THE SHOW: Subscribe on Patreon and listen to 20 full interviews OR send us a few dollars on PayPal.

    Pt. 7: Guests Get Close-Up
  • 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.

    February 4, 2023

    TWO WAYS TO SUPPORT THE SHOW: Subscribe on Patreon and listen to 20 full interviews OR send us a few dollars on PayPal.

    Pt. 6: Eye to Eye with Orky and Corky
  • 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…

    January 19, 2023

    TWO WAYS TO SUPPORT THE SHOW: Subscribe on Patreon and listen to 20 full interviews OR send us a few dollars on PayPal.

    Pt. 5: Corky’s Baby and From Fox to Hanna-Barbera
  • 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.…

    December 12, 2022

    TWO WAYS TO SUPPORT THE SHOW: Subscribe on Patreon and listen to 20 full interviews OR send us a few dollars on PayPal.

    Pt. 4: Orky and Corky Take Center Stage
  • 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.

    November 27, 2022

    TWO WAYS TO SUPPORT THE SHOW: Subscribe on Patreon and listen to 20 full interviews OR send us a few dollars on PayPal.

    Pt. 3: Hello Hollywood, Bye Bye Bimbo
  • 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.

    November 27, 2022

    TWO WAYS TO SUPPORT THE SHOW: Subscribe on Patreon and listen to 20 full interviews OR send us a few dollars on PayPal.

    Pt. 2: A Whale of a Star
  • 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,…

    June 16, 2022

    TWO WAYS TO SUPPORT THE SHOW: Subscribe on Patreon and listen to 20 full interviews OR send us a few dollars on PayPal.

    Pt. 1: Henry Harris’ Dream
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