Celebrating 70 Years of Marine Animal Magic at the Gulfarium

By Mary Fomby, Gulfarium

Since opening its doors on August 14, 1955, Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park has been a cornerstone of the Emerald Coast—captivating guests with unforgettable marine animal encounters while making a lasting impact on ocean conservation.

For 70 years, the Gulfarium has remained dedicated to educating, entertaining, and inspiring generations of visitors. What began as one of the world’s first oceanariums has grown into a beloved institution and a leader in marine animal care and rescue. From dolphins leaping into the hearts of visitors to rescued sea turtles returning to the waves, the Gulfarium’s mission has always centered on connecting people with marine life—and protecting it for the future.

In 2023, the Gulfarium unveiled Dolphin Oasis, a stunning new habitat designed to enhance both animal well-being and guest engagement. This 24-million-dollar expansion includes expansive saltwater habitats, lush surroundings, and state-of-the-art features. Dolphin Oasis reflects our continued commitment to providing the highest standard of care for our animals. It’s also a beautiful and immersive addition for guests, offering new opportunities to connect with our resident dolphins. As we celebrate this milestone year, the Gulfarium remains focused on both our guest experiences and the lives of the animals in our care.

In recent years, the park’s conservation efforts have taken center stage. Since 2015, the Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center has rescued, rehabilitated, and released hundreds of sea turtles back into the Gulf. This vital work supports the survival of endangered species like the Kemp’s ridley and loggerhead turtles, and it’s only growing.

In addition, the Gulfarium recently partnered with the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP) to provide continuous care for rescued manatees at the newly opened Manatee Cove habitat. This 3.5-million-dollar collaboration is a milestone in the park’s history and an exciting opportunity to contribute to national manatee conservation efforts. Fittingly, one of our current manatee residents—Romeo—is also over 70 years old, making him the oldest known manatee in human care and a living symbol of the Gulfarium’s own 70-year journey.

As the Gulfarium celebrates its 70th anniversary year, the community is invited to join in the celebration. Throughout the rest of the year, the Gulfarium will mark this milestone with exclusive 70th-anniversary merchandise, special member-only events, and community programs that honor the legacy of marine conservation and education.

From its earliest days to its newest achievements, the Gulfarium has remained committed to marine life, innovation, education, and community. Now, as we celebrate 70 years of care, we look forward to continuing that legacy with new generations of ocean advocates.