This project was supported in whole or in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian Made accessible through a grant from the John Randolph Haynes and Dora Haynes Foundation and Photo Friends
Photograph was edited for publication purposes. Marineland of the Pacific, designed by the firm Pereira & Luckman and located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, opened in 1954 and was the world's largest oceanarium of its time. Known for its performing Orcas, many considered it California's first major theme park, opening one year before Disneyland. In February 1987 the owners of SeaWorld, San Diego, purchased Marineland and moved all the animals to their San Diego facility, abruptly closing it six weeks after the sale was completed. Much of the infrastructure was left abandoned for 20 years; the 414-foot high tower remained standing until 1995, the Marineland Restaurant continued operating through 2004, and the remaining structures stood through 2006. In 2007 demolition of the remains of Marineland began, in preparation for the development of Terranea, a $450 million dollar resort. Photograph caption dated July 14, 1958 reads "Bubbles the whale comes up for big mouthful of food from trainer Buzz Ross as he performs for three members of King County, Wash., drill team who were among group of 21 stranded in Valley when bus broke down. Youngsters, from left are Bob Olson, Tom Dawson and brother, Joe Dawson. Amusement park played host to youngsters and their chaperones. Group headed home to Washington today."
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