Ocean Connections is a 501©3 non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring conservation awareness and public action for our world’s ocean through education.  Our “touch the heart, teach the mind” philosophy comes to life at each of locations through various opportunities to meet, feed, and learn about our animal ambassadors.  We are honored to provide forever homes for rescued marine mammals and ensure the well-being of the animals in our care.  Learn more about each of our locations below.

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Hershey, PA

Since 2009, Ocean Connections partnered with Hersheypark to provide educational and conservation-based marine mammal programming.  Immerse yourself in the world of marine mammals, animal care, and environmental protection during featured presentations and interactive programs.

Programs Offered:

Seal & Sea Lion Feeding and Photo Session: Offered after select Seal & Sea Lion Shows. Come poolside to give some tasty fish treats to one of our seals or sea lions or get a high-resolution family photo with one of our animals

Flippered Friends & Family: Join our interactive VIP experience at Ocean Connections! Bring the whole family to visit our seals and sea lions. Learn all about the importance of these ambassadors and feed them before engaging in a private poolside training session with our seals or sea lions! 

Job Shadow: Interested in a career working with marine mammals? Guests 13 years of age and older can come behind the scenes to shadow one of our animal care specialists! Learn how we provide exceptional care for our seals and sea lions, come poolside for a private training and husbandry session, and more!  For more information or to make a reservation for this program click here.

Outreach & Digital Learning: Bring the magic of marine mammals right to your classroom! Offering Zoo to You programs and Digital Learning Opportunities, our education team can fully customize our curriculum to your needs.

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Milwaukee, WI

Ocean Connections was founded here in 1991.  Our commitment to protecting our global waterways and the Great Lakes healthy continues here through local community programming.

Programs Offered:

Outreach & Digital Learning: Bring the magic of marine mammals right to your classroom! Offering Zoo to You programs and Digital Learning Opportunities, our education team can fully customize our curriculum to your needs.  Learn more by clicking here.

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Myrtle Beach, SC

In 2023, Ocean Connections partnered with Pirates Voyage to provide the animal ambassador portion of the Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show.  Meet the macaws, dogs, and sea lions that call Ocean Connections Myrtle Beach home through interactive and educational experiences.

Programs Offered:

Animal Encounter: Meet, feed, and train one of our sea lions.  Explore the adaptations macaws have to survive in the rainforest.  Discover how you can use the positive reinforcement training techniques we utilize with your own pets at home!  For more information, click here.

Outreach & Digital Learning: Bring the magic of marine mammals right to your classroom! Offering Zoo to You programs and Digital Learning Opportunities, our education team can fully customize our curriculum to your needs.  Learn more by clicking here.

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Pigeon Forge, TN

In 2023, Ocean Connections partnered with Pirates Voyage to provide the animal ambassador portion of the Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show.  Meet the macaws, dogs, and sea lions that call Ocean Connections Pigeon Forge home through interactive and educational experiences.

Programs Offered:

Animal Encounter: Meet, feed, and train one of our sea lions.  Explore the adaptations macaws have to survive in the rainforest.  Discover how you can use the positive reinforcement training techniques we utilize with your own pets at home!  For more information, click here.

Outreach & Digital Learning: Bring the magic of marine mammals right to your classroom! Offering Zoo to You programs and Digital Learning Opportunities, our education team can fully customize our curriculum to your needs.  Learn more by clicking here.

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Panama City Beach, FL (Coming Soon)

We’re expanding! We’re bringing the swashbuckling excitement of the Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show to Florida.  Construction has already begun at Pier Park and will be opening in spring of 2025.