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Ocean Connections marine mammal interactions. About Us: Ocean Connections is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is dedicated to inspiring conservation awareness and public action for our world's ocean through education.  We are committed to providing exceptional welfare to the animals that call us home and fostering empathy for wildlife and nature through various learning opportunities.  With locations in Florida, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and South Carolina, our "touch the heart, teach the mind" philosophy comes to life through exciting, educational, and interacative experiences.  From community outreach to small-group encounters, there's something for everyone! We hope that you have the opportunity to join us and experience the wonder of widlife up close. The opportunity to interact with our flippered, furry, and feathered family awaits you! Hershey Schedule: Seal & Sea Lion Demonstrations Offered Daily at 11:30, 1:00, 2:30, and 4:30p.m. Seal & Sea Lion Feedings and Photo Sessions: Offered Daily at 11:30, 1:00, 2:30, and 4:30p.m. Ocean Encounter: Touch & Feed: Offered Daily. Check-in begins at 3:45. Learn More. Myrtle Beach Schedule: Showtimes Vary: For Ticketing & Show Information click here. Animal Encounter: Offered Daily Learn More by clicking here. Panama City Beach Schedule: Showtimes Vary: For Ticketing & Show Information click here. Animal Encounter: Offered Daily Learn More by clicking here. Pigeon Forge Schedule: Showtimes Vary: For Ticketing & Show Information click here. Animal Encounter: Offered Daily Learn More by clicking here.      

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 2/5/12 This winter we welcomed a new member to our pinniped family! In late January, Bumper, a 2 year old male Atlantic harbor seal joined Ocean Connections from Long Island Aquarium in New York. Being a juvenile, Bumper weighs in at 130 pounds. When full grown, male harbor seals reach weights of approximately 300 pounds and lengths of 6 feet. This little guy sure has some growing to do! At his previous home, Bumper was an exhibit animal and had just begun his formal training. As an inquisitive youngster, Bumper is curious about everything in his new environment. We are excited to continue his training and help him transition from an exhibit to a show and interactive environment. Bumper’s training goals include advancing his foundation behaviors, building trust in his new trainers and learning voluntary husbandry behaviors to help the animal care staff monitor his health on a daily basis. For photos and news updates about Bumper’s transition to life at Ocean Connections, be sure to follow us on Facebook! < Back to Current Events

Meet Ayla! Female, Juvenile Average weight is 150 pounds Born on June 20, 2000 Daughter of Makaia Learned to swim at 2 weeks of age Ayla is now seven years old this year! Born to Makaia in the summer of 2000, she is affectionate and delightful. Ayla began her formal training at one year of age after weaning from her mother onto a diet of fish. She has a lot of energy and is always ready to learn new behaviors in her training sessions. At 7 years of age, playfulness and being mischievous are a constant past time. Our staff can often be spotted laughing as we watch her silly play of leaping, rolling and engaging in chase games under water with her friends. Ayla especially enjoys playing with water hoses that her trainers spray into the water...she rolls in the stream and enjoys the feeling of the spray along her body and flippers (much like we would with a whirlpool jet). It is not uncommon for Ayla to steal the show and entertain the audience with her adorable antics! Be sure to stop and enjoy this adorable little lady!

Meet Geneva! Sub adult female Born on June 29, 1999 Daughter to Makaia Swam at 2 weeks of age Currently weighs approximately 200 lbs. Geneva was born at Ocean Connections late in the day on June 29th, 1999. She was the first pup born to Makaia (third generation at Ocean Connections). Geneva weighed in at 11 pounds when born and immediately had a feisty personality. Geneva was very playful and a welcome addition to our family! She was cared for by both her mother and grandmother (Sport) as a pup. Her formal training began at 9 months of age when she weaned from her mother and began eating fish. Today Geneva, is all grown up and knows over 75 behaviors that delight our guests. She has a very distinct vocal and zoo patrons can definitely pick her out of the crowd! Geneva travels to HersheyPark during the summers with her brother Diego to educate and entertain guests in Hershey, Pennslyvania. No matter which location she is in, Geneva's voice and energy cannot be mistaken, she enjoys training, performing and touching the hearts of our guests!

1981-2011 With heavy hearts, we said goodbye to Sport in early November 2011. At 30 years of age, Sport was a founder animal within our organization. She joined our team in 1990 and over the past 21 years has been an ambassador for marine mammal conservation in Wisconsin, educating and entertaining thousands of children and adults alike. She has mothered 4 pups of her own and was the grandmother to five! Sport passed away due to old age and will be missed by her trainers and fans. We are sad to see her go but so thankful for all that she has shared with us. We dedicate our lives to ensuring the highest quality of care for the animals we are fortunate enough to work with. The most difficult element for all of us is having to say goodbye. It never gets easier and always breaks our hearts. Thanks to all of you for taking the time to share your memories, positive thoughts and love. Your support and wonderful words mean more than you could possibly know and have helped our team tremendously - thank you!    

Meet Slick! Dominant male Average weight is approximately 650 pounds Born in May of 1986 Has been performing at Ocean Connections since 1992 Slick, our dominate male sea lion is a favorite for trainers to work with. He is always anxious to learn new behaviors and is the ham of the group. He is currently 26 years old. Male sea lion weights fluctuate according to the season. During the summer months Slick is usually a very trim 450 pounds however as winter approaches his weight increases quickly. By February he often tops the scale at close to 700 pounds. Full grown Slick is an impressive 9 feet in length. Being the dominant male, Slick controls the mood of the entire colony of sea lions at Ocean Connections. Fortunately Slick is even tempered, patient and very gentle with all of his pool mates. Slick can often be seen interacting with the public for presentations and is a favorite in our interactive programs. Slick’s favorite pastimes include getting back rubs from his trainers and spending time with his female companions Makaia and Abby.

Meet Makaia! Adult female Average weight is approximately 200 pounds Born at Ocean Connections on June 28th, 1993 Daughter of Sport Mothered five pups (Ayla, Geneva, Diego, Sequoia and Colby) Makaia is the princess of the group. She was the first sea lion born at Ocean Connections in 1993 and is a very special animal. She is very energetic and curious. Always eager to meet the public, Makaia thrives on attention! She enjoys performing and is a favorite during our daily public presentations and interactive programs. She is currently 19 years old and has mothered five pups. Makaia welcomed Colby, her fifth pup this past summer. She is a great mother always looking after Colby, teaching him to swim and explore in his new home. As one of our veterans, Makaia helps to keep all of the youngsters in line and can often be seen sunning herself poolside with a couple of juveniles curled up along her side.

Meet Bodega! Male, sub-adult Average weight is approximately 450 pounds Son of Sport Bodega was born at Ocean Connections in June of 1996 and began his formal training at one year of age. He is very eager and is currently learning many new behaviors for our upcoming season. Through his years of training he has acquired over 65 behaviors in his repertoire. Bodega spent his 1992 summer vacation at Long Marine Laboratory which is located at the University of Santa Cruz. He was transported there in order to participate in a research project which is currently studying the metabolic rates of California Sea lions and spent the summer breeding with three females. He returned to us in the fall a hefty, healthy 400 lb six year old! It is very common for sub-adult males to develop their crest and mature quickly when give the opportunity to play the role of dominant male within a population.....and Bodega obviously enjoyed this role. He is very playful and delights in figuring out and playing with new enrichment and toys which are provided by our training staff regularly. Today Bodega's favorite activities include playing and chasing the pups Ayla, Geneva and Diego around the pool, as well as, sneaking up on our new volunteers with a loud, sudden bark as if to say "Gotcha!".

    Milwaukee Outreach Programs Ocean Connections is dedicated to inspiring conservation awareness and public action for our world’s ocean through education.  Our commitment to education continues in Wisconsin .  We offer a variety of programs for educational groups all year round.  Bring the magic of marine mammals to your classroom during one of our STEAM+ based programs that are perfect for learners of all ages!  Ocean Connections Milwaukee has two different types of outreach opportunities: School Visits and Digital Learning. Learn more about each of these by clicking here.

Daily Schedule for Hershey, PA Ocean Connections is a separate, 501(c)3 non-profit organization that operates within Hersheypark.  We offer programs that are fun for the whole family! This page is updated frequently so be sure to check back for the most current schedule.  All proceeds from these programs directly contribute to the care and welfare of our animals.   Seal & Sea Lion Demonstrations Visit your friends from the sea at the Hersheypark Aquatheatre!  This 15-20 minute presentation highlights the natural grace, agility, and coordination of seals and sea lions. Offered Daily at 11:30, 1:00, 2:30, and 4:30p.m. Seal & Sea Lion Demonstrations are included with valid Hersheypark admission.     Seal & Sea Lion Feeding and Photo Opportunities Come meet our animals and support ocean conservation with our daily Seal & Sea Lion Feedings!  Chat with our animal care team, bring the whole family poolside to meet one of our flippered friends, and experience the magic of marine mammals up close! Offered Daily at 11:30, 1:00, 2:30, and 4:30p.m.  Tickets are valid for the day of purchase.  *Feed & Photo Sessions will occur following the Seal & Sea Lion Demonstrations.     Ocean Encounter - Touch & Feed Get ready for an up-close and personal experience with one of the amazing animal ambassadors of Ocean Connections.  Participants iin this program will have the opportunity to feed and give a back rub to one of our seals or sea lions.  Plus, we'll capture the moment with a commemorative photo.  Take a tour behind-the-scenes to learn more about how we care for our animals before enjoying preferred seating for our Seal & Sea Lion Demonstration! Offered Daily. Check-in begins at 3:45. Advanced registration is required and limited spots are available.  Learn more or register today by clicking here.   Water Friends Tour This interactive experience features the opportunity to meet ZooAmerica's river otters and participate in a training session with a seal or sea lion at Ocean Connections. Offered Saturdays & Sundays at: 11:00am. Advanced registration is required and limited spots are available.  Learn more or register today by clicking here.              

Host Your Next Event at Ocean Connections! Whether you're looking to enjoy a private Seal & Sea Lion Show, propose to or marry the love of your life, celebrate an anniversary, plan a birthday party, or anything and everything in between, Ocean Connections can customize an event just for you! Spend your next occasion with your favorite flippered friends: our seals and sea lions.  Please fill out and submit the form below and an Ocean Connections Events Staff Member will be in contact with you shortly! Please note that we currently only host events at our Hershey, PA location.    

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.   __________________________________________________________________   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.       __________________________________________________________________   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. __________________________________________________________________ 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. __________________________________________________________________     Panama City Beach, FL  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.  

Education Impact Summary 2023 2023 was an exciting year for Ocean Connections as we furthered our commitment to STEAM+ based, educational programming.  From beloved interactive experiences to new learning opportunities, our Education Impact Summary highlights how we fulfill Ocean Connections' mission of inspiring conservation awareness and public action for our world's ocean through education. Read the full report by clicking here.

Education Impact Summary 2024 2024 was an exciting year for Ocean Connections as we furthered our commitment to STEAM+ based, educational programming.  From beloved interactive experiences to new learning opportunities, our Education Impact Summary highlights how we fulfill Ocean Connections' mission of inspiring conservation awareness and public action for our world's ocean through education. Read the full report by clicking here.

Education Impact Summary 2025 2025 was an exciting year for Ocean Connections as we furthered our commitment to STEAM+ based, educational programming.  From beloved interactive experiences to new learning opportunities, our Education Impact Summary highlights how we fulfill Ocean Connections' mission of inspiring conservation awareness and public action for our world's ocean through education. Read the full report by clicking here.

Enjoy an evening of amazing animals, conservation and fundraising. Ocean Connections is dedicated to inspiring conservation awareness and public action for our world’s ocean through education. Our beautiful ambassadors will touch your heart while teaching your mind as we share an evening devoted to conservation awareness. Joining us will be well known animal advocates Julie Scardina, Suzi Rapp and David Jackson along with their amazing animal ambassadors. All proceeds raised directly benefit Ocean Connections education, conservation and animal care programs. Limited tickets available!  To learn more and purchase your tickets, click here.