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Ocean Connections is excited to announce that the only marine mammal camp in the Midwest is BACK! Our Summer Day Camp Programs include fun activities, adventures within the Milwaukee County Zoo, and quality time with our animal ambassadors. The Nautical Navigators program even allows your camper to get in the water with our seals and sea lions! Ocean Connections Summer Day Camp Programs have limited capacity and are selling quickly so be sure to reserve your spot today! For additional information or to reserve a program click here.   The health and safety of our campers, animals, and staff is our top priority. To learn about our health and safety protocols click here.

Enjoy an afternoon 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 afternoon devoted to conservation awareness. Immerse yourself in a world surrounded by unique species for you to enjoy. Meet our animal ambassadors personally and experience animal interactions beyond your dreams. All proceeds raised directly benefit Ocean Connections education, conservation, and animal care programs. VIP guests will even enjoy the opportunity to meet our beautiful animal ambassadors personally. An experience unlike any you’ve ever imagined awaits you as you meet otters, penguins, cheetahs, and more! Special interactive photo opportunities are yours to enjoy. Meet the animals, professional trainers, and guest speakers as a VIP guest! Be ready for an amazing experience! Tickets are limited.  Reserve yours today by clicking here.

Our Summer Day Camp Programs include fun activities, adventures within the Milwaukee County Zoo, and quality time with our animal ambassadors. The Nautical Navigators program even allows your camper to get in the water with our seals and sea lions! Limited spots remain so be sure to reserve your spot today: https://www.oceanconnections.org/camps

Social media has become a vital tool in furthering our impact and reach. Since the start of the pandemic, Ocean Connections (along with most of the world) completely turned virtual as a way to connect with others when we couldn't physically be together.  It started with our STEAM+ based Virtual Field Trips and snowballed into all other aspects of our social media. Particularly, people fell in love with our flippered friends on the newer platform, TikTok. We began our TikTok less than a year ago sharing cute, funny, educational videos starring our seals and sea lions.  Since then, we have been picked up by news channels, viral video channels, and so much more. We are forever grateful for this unique and creative way to share our animal ambassadors, their stories, and continue our commitment to conservation.  Ocean Connections is ecstatic to announce that we have reached a milestone of over ONE MILLION followers! Thank you all for your love and support. Not following us yet? What are you waiting for?! Join us on the following platforms: Facebook Instagram TikTok

The Summer Season Has Come to an End but We're Still Open! Ocean Connections offers Seal & Sea Lion Shows, Photo Sessions, and Feedings (weather permitting).  Looking for a more personal experience? Join our Flippered Friends & Family Program! This 30-minute interactive VIP experience brings the whole family behind-the-scenes to learn about our fantastic flippered friends. Visit our off-exhibit areas and come poolside for a private training session with our seals or sea lions! These programs are fun for all ages. For more information visit the scheduling links below! Be sure to also follow us on social media so you'll be the first to know of any schedule changes. Milwaukee Daily Schedule Information Hershey Daily Schedule Information Follow us on Facebook! Follow us on Instagram! Follow us on TikTok!

  Celebrate the holidays with the experience of a lifetime: bring the whole family to meet Santa Claus at Ocean Connections! Enjoy a family photo opportunity with Kris Kringle and one of our flippered friends. Before you conclude your time with us, give a fishy treat to our seals or sea lions so they’re ready to help Santa return to the North Pole.   Learn more or make a reservation today by clicking here.  

  Celebrate the holidays with the experience of a lifetime: bring the whole family to meet Santa Claus at Ocean Connections! Enjoy a family photo opportunity with Kris Kringle and one of our flippered friends. Before you conclude your time with us, give a fishy treat to our seals or sea lions so they’re ready to help Santa return to the North Pole.   Learn more or make a reservation today by clicking here.

Looking for the perfect Valetine's Day Gift fort he animal lover in your life? We've got you covered. We have plenty of perfect surprises for that special someone:    OC Merchandise: Does your Valentine love our flippered friends? Check out our merchandise by clicking here.    Virtual Valentines: Say it with a seal or sea lion! Wish your significant other a Happy Valentine's Day with the help of our animals and animal care team. To reserve yours click here.          

The Ocean Connections Online Store has numerous options for you to find the perfect gift for the marine mammal lover in your life! Whether you're seeking stocking stuffers, one-of-a-kind interactive experiences, or unique home decor, we have something for everyone.  All proceeds directly contribute to the care of our animal ambassadors! Check it out: CUSTOM SEAL & SEA LION PAINTINGS Let our Pinniped Picassos create a one of a kind masterpiece that is sure to spruce up any room in your house! Our talented seals & sea lions paint custom wine glasses, holiday ornaments, flipper paintings, whisker prints, coasters, and canvases. SHOP NOW     INTERACTIVE PROGRAMS Ocean Connections offers marine mammal experiences like no other that bring you up close and personal with our flippered friends.  From summer camps to family programs to our in-water Aquatic Adventure, Ocean Connections has opportunities to make lifelong memories with our seals and sea lions. Gift Certificates are also available. SHOP NOW     MERCHANDISE T-shirts, plush, souvenirs, and more await you!  Our online store is full of adorable marine mammal themed merchandise that will make the perfect stocking stuffer or gift for anyone looking to rock some Ocean Connections swag! SHOP NOW     MYSTERY BOXES For the marine mammal lover who loves surprises, check out our Mystery Boxes!  Each package comes packed with unique and exciting Ocean Connections items you'll absolutely adore.  Some even come with paintings done by our animals! SHOP NOW                      

Bowie has arrived in Hersheypark! At approximately one month of age, Bowie was found severely malnourished and dehydrated on an east coast beach.  He was immediately taken to the NY Marine Rescue Center where the veterinary and animal care team worked diligently to help him regain his strength in hopes of returning him to the wild.  During multiple medical assessments, it was discovered that Bowie has microphthalmia or under-developed eyes which resulted in him being completely blind in his right eye and partially blind in his left eye.  Sadly, Bowie would not be able to hunt or avoid predators with this condition and was deemed non-releasable. Oceans of Fun, in partnership with Ocean Connections and Hersheypark, has committed to providing this handsome, sweet, boy a second chance at life.  Bowie was transported to our Hershey, PA location from the NY Marine Rescue Center and has begun bonding with our animal care team.  As he gains confidence and his training progresses, we will happily share updates with you all! Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok so you can stay up to date with Bowie and all our flippered friends. We anticipate Bowie's expenses for his first year with us to meet or exceed $35,000. If you would like to support Bowie's rescue, check out the numerous ways to contribute below! Every dollar makes a difference and is greatly appreciated.    Donate On Our Website  PayPal  Purchase Bowie Merch  Venmo: @OceanConnections  Start a Fundraiser on Tiltify  Commission a Painting  

Save the Date! Ocean Connections is ecstatic to put the “fun” in fundraising as we support our mission of inspiring conservation awareness and public action for our world’s ocean through education. This year, we welcome Timbavati Wildlife Park and their beautiful, exotic, and educational animals from around the globe. Come nose to nose with species from all over the world and experience interactions beyond your wildest dreams. Conservation artist Stephen Fishwick also joins us to share his talents with a live creation. All proceeds directly benefit the education, conservation, and animal care programs of Ocean Connections.   CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE.         Photography by: Louis Troutman & Keith Kamikawa.        

Ocean Connections is ecstatic to put the “fun” in fundraising as we support our mission of inspiring conservation awareness and public action for our world’s ocean through education. This year, we welcome Timbavati Wildlife Park and their beautiful, exotic, and educational animals from around the globe. Come nose to nose with species from all over the world and experience interactions beyond your wildest dreams. Conservation artist Stephen Fishwick also joins us to share his talents with a live creation. All proceeds directly support our animal care, welfare, and educational reach throughout the community. Now through June 15th for every Turn the Tide ticket you purchase you'll receive a FREE ticket for our Seal & Sea Lion Feeding. Come poolside with our animal care team and flippered friends all while supporting ocean conservation. Make your Turn the Tide reservation today by clicking here. Unable to attend but looking to support Ocean Connections? For every donation of $50.00 or more, you'll receive a digital shoutout from one of our seals or sea lions.  Contribute today by clicking here.  

  Jennapher Frederick from FOX29 stopped by Hersheypark to visit with our seals and sea lions.  To view the full interview click here. Meet our flippered friends at Hersheypark Halloween during our Seal & Sea Lion Shows, Feedings, Photo Sessions.  You can even register for our VIP interactive experience Water Friends & Family to meet otters, seals, and sea lions. To learn more about these programs click here.

Support Ocean Connections Today! It's giving season and you can make a huge impact on marine life no matter where you live! Proceeds from our Giving Tuesday Fundraiser help cover the cost of veterinary bills, provide new toys for our animals, and allow us to care for rescued marine mammals. Help us, help them this Giving Tuesday as every donation is appreciated. Here's how you can help: 🦭 Symbolically Adopt an Animal 🦭 Bid on Animal Paintings, Interactive Experiences, and Other Amazing Silent Auction Items 🦭 Donate to Our Cause   Bid high, bid often, and help make a difference in these animals' lives! Check out the fundraiser by clicking here.

  Education Impact Summary 2022 2022 was a big 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.

This Valentine's Day you can celebrate with help from our seals and sea lions.  We have a few different options whether you're looking forward to February 14th or absolutely dreading it. Either way, you can enjoy it with the help of our animals all while supporting the animal care, welfare, and educational reach of Ocean Connections. Check out the links below to learn more.     💕 Virtual Valentines - Say it with a seal or sea lion! Send your loved one a message with help from our seals, sea lions, and animal care team!   🐟  Name a Fish After Your Ex - There's plenty of fish in the sea but some of them are real flounders! Name a fish after your ex this Valentine's Day.    

APPLY TODAY! Ocean Connections is excited to announce that we have 10 Summer Camp Scholarships to honor for our Marine Voyagers and Sea Lion Explorers Marine Mammal Camps for 2023. The Ocean Connections Summer Camp Scholarship is open to any family who has experienced recent or sustained hardship. Whether your family is experiencing poverty, change of employment status, parental separation/divorce, recovering from natural disasters, illness, injury, loss of a loved one, or something else entirely, we are hopeful that this opportunity will provide a memorable, joyful experience to much needed individuals. Applications must be submitted on or before Friday, March 31st, 2023. To apply for the scholarship click here.

Did you know 50% of the plastic pollution entering the Great Lakes enters through Lake Michigan? You can help be part of the solution by joining us for a Beach Clean-Up!   Date: Thursday June 15th Time: 5:30 - 7:00pm Location: South Shore Park (2900 S. Shore Dr. Milwaukee, WI 53207)     Trash bins are provided but we ask you to consider bringing a bucket or plastic bag from home to reduce the event's environmental footprint. Please bring gloves if you have them. If you have additional questions please contact us at education@oceanconnections.org or (414) 453-5527. We hope to see you there!

  Ocean Connections would like to thank you for 33 wonderful years of memories full of our flippered friends. Share yours and it could be featured on our social media accounts! Send in your favorite story and photo(s) by visiting: https://form.jotform.com/233306790125048

There are so many ways you can contribute to the animal welfare, care, and educational reach of Ocean Connections. One of the easiest ways is becoming involved with our biggest fundraiser of the year, Turn the Tide. Here's how you can help:   Donate Items from our Silent Auction Amazon Wishlist.   Attend the Event on August 5th! Turn the Tide includes meeting exotic animals from all over the world, an open bar, silent and live auction items, and more surprises you won't want to miss. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here.   Follow us on social media, share our posts, and tag your friends to help spread the word!   Contributions directly support Ocean Connections which is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

  Ocean Connections is Recognized by the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors. With our doors in Milwaukee officially closed, Ocean Connections is tremendously grateful to be held in the memories of friends, colleagues, fans, and supporters who helped make Wisconsin home. On December 21st, 2023 we were honored by Kathleen Vincent and the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors for 33 years of dedication to animal care, education programming, and community work. We would like to extend many thanks to the board for recognizing CEO & President, Shelley Ballmann, and for highlighting the value and impact of our programs. Thank you for this honor and we look forward to continuing to serve the Milwaukee community.

    Care. Connect. Conserve. Ocean Connections is a 510(c)3 non-profit organization that relies heavily on our supporters to fulfill our mission.  We are dedicated to inspiring public action and conservation awareness for our world's ocean through education.  Ocean Connections is committed to providing exceptional welfare to the animals that call us home as well as giving as many rescued marine mammals as possible a second chance at life.  We just need your help!  You can make a difference by supporting the animal welfare, care, and educational reach of Ocean Connections today. Click here to learn more or donate today.     Your Dollars at Work $25 - Feeds Our Harbor Seals for a Day $50 - Provides Necessary Vitamins for Our Entire Population for 1 Week $75 - Sponsors a Conservation Education Program for 1 School $100 - Provides Necessary Vitamins for Our Entire Population for 2 Weeks $250 - Feeds 1 Adult Male Sea Lion for a Week $500 - Provides Annual Veterinary Wellness Exam for 1 Animal $1,000 - Sponsors 1 Animal Care Team Member to Assist with the Transport of a Rescued Animal $2,500 - Feeds a Rescued Animal for 100 Days

 Ahoy, Mateys! Set sail with Pirates Voyage & Ocean Connections for a Beach Clean-Up Adventure!   Date: Saturday, January 20th  Time: 10:00AM-12:00PM ET  Location: 710 N Ocean Blvd Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 (Myrtle Beach Access at 8th Avenue North)  Meet some of our pirates, learn about ocean conservation, and enjoy a swashbuckling day of cleaning up our beloved beach! Trash bags and grabbers will be provided. We hope to “sea” you there!

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.