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 December 27, 1962 reads "Largest colony of walruses outside of the Arctic Circle can be seen at Marineland of the Pacific, which also features aquarium and large sea circus with trained whales, porpoises and seals. To reach Marineland in Palos Verdes, take the Ventura Freeway and the Hollywood Freeway to the Harbor Freeway. Take the Western Ave. off-ramp and continue south to Palos Verdes."
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