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Welcome Nalu! Oceans of Fun is excited to announce the arrival of our newest family member, Nalu! Nalu, now a 5-month old male California Sea Lion, was found alone and stranded on the pacific coast in Santa Barbara, California on September 7, 2013 at approximately 3 months of age. He was taken to the Santa Barbara Marine Mammal Stranding center where he received immediate care and several health assessments. Upon arrival, Nalu was determined to be dehydrated and malnourished. The cause of his stranding was determined to most likely be due to separation from his mother. Due to his age, Nalu was quickly deemed non-releasable by the National Marine Fisheries since he was still of nursing age and would need his mother’s milk to survive; sea lion pups do not begin eating fish until they are between 6 and 12 months of age. As he is still of nursing age, Nalu requires 24 hour care and bottle feedings every 4 hours. Nalu, meaning “ocean wave”, is one of an estimated 1,000 sea lion pups who were stranded on beaches this year alone. This high number of strandings resulted in the National Marine Fisheries declaring an Unusual Mortality Event (UME) as this alarming number is well above those typically seen in the past. Overwhelmed by the number of pup strandings, stranding centers have done their best to rehabilitate and release the pups back to the wild; however, when an animal like Nalu is found and cannot be released, a placement for them is found. This is where Oceans of Fun comes in! Oceans of Fun was contacted by the National Marine Fisheries Department and accepted their request to provide a permanent home to the orphaned sea lion pup. Nalu arrived via FedEx plane on November 7th. Oceans of Fun staff members traveled a week before his arrival to meet and get to know our new family member. Spending quality time with Nalu early on helps to establish a trusting relationship between Nalu and his trainers. It is this trusting relationship that builds the foundation for our positive reinforcement training techniques. Staff accompanied Nalu the whole trip making sure that he was safe and comfortable. Throughout his whole journey from California to Wisconsin, Nalu found comfort in his favorite friend, his stuffed leopard. This stuffed leopard has become Nalu’s security blanket, providing something soft, warm and cuddly to curl up next to in the absence of a mother while his crate has become his safe place. These familiar objects will help Nalu to transition to his new home while he continues to develop trust with his trainers. Upon his arrival on Thursday night, Nalu quickly took to eating his first bottle in his new home. This is a big milestone, as it shows that he felt safe enough to eat! Currently, Nalu is being housed in a quarantined area until he receives final veterinary approval to join the rest of his new flippered friends. He will not be viewable to the public until the spring, but we will be sure to post updates on our website and Facebook page as Nalu becomes acclimated to his new home. Life in the wild is not always easy as there are many struggles that animals face; overfishing the ocean, predation, pollution and habitat encroachment are challenges faced due to human involvement. Oceans of Fun is thrilled to be able to help rescue a sea lion pup that would otherwise not survived in the wild. Here, Nalu will become an ambassador for his species by helping to educate our guests about marine mammals, their environment and conservation needs.

With the conclusion of a busy summer season came an even busier fall for both the trainers and animals of Ocean Connections. Our Milwaukee location closed its doors and began renovations in late September to repair and improve our facility.  Over the past few years, we have experienced very harsh winters that have taken a huge toll on our facility, just like they do on your local roadways.  It was time for a makeover!  The renovations needed; however, required our animals to be off the premises.  Some of our Milwaukee animals traveled across the zoo and others across state lines to the Chicago Zoological Society’s Seven Seas facility while our Hersheypark team was thrilled to extend their season. Ocean Connections staff spent the season rotating between facilities to ensure animals received the best possible care during this exciting time.            Once animals were safely moved to their temporary fall homes, renovations at our Milwaukee location began.  The biggest undertaking was resurfacing our 250,000 gallon main pool and two holding pools.  The old paint was removed, concrete work was preformed, the pool was tented and resurfacing/ painting was completed.  Fortunately we experienced beautiful fall weather, which allowed us the opportunity to also complete numerous repairs around the facility including filtration maintenance, landscaping improvements and equipment upgrades.  Once the facility was readied, it was time to turn the pool back into a salt-water environment.  This process took another week as salt was added, the water heated and water quality parameters balanced out. When all was said and done; however, we stood back and smiled. It is amazing how much can be accomplished in 7 weeks! All of this would not have been possible without the time and dedication of our colleagues and friends at the Milwaukee County Zoo, Hersheypark and the Chicago Zoological Society. It is always a privilege to collaborate with colleagues that share our mission of providing exceptional marine mammal care and outstanding conservation education. After 7 weeks of renovations, we were able to reunite all of our animals into their beautifully updated environment!  First home were the Hershey kids, Geneva and Diego, two of our California sea lions and Bumper, our male Atlantic harbor seal.  Soon to follow were Slick, Makaia and Sonoma, three of our adult California sea lions returning from the Chicago Zoological Society.  And finally our energetic sea lion pups Colby, Talise and Nalu returned with Scooter and Satara, two harbor seals to complete our colony.   The greetings between old friends was a pleasure to watch with lots of "Zerberts" from the ladies in greeting and vocalizations from Slick as he re-established his territory!  There was no short supply of splashing water as the animals chased, wrestled and enjoyed swimming together. Excited to have the entire Oceans family back home again, our team is eagerly awaiting a winter full of animal training advancement and staff development opportunities. 

As the show season at Hersheypark begins to wrap up, Oceans of Fun will still be quite busy! We are excited to announce that our seals will stay year-round for the first time ever. Oceans of Fun has brought animals out seasonally each summer for the past 7 years. Each year has been fun and exciting and this year was no exception! Hersheypark fans were excited to meet two new faces this year, Colby and Mango. Colby is our 3 year old, male, California sea lion. A young animal, Colby is always eager to learn and progress in his training. He has impressed audiences with his great performances in our educational shows! Mango is an 11 year old, female, Atlantic harbor seal. She came to Oceans of Fun on a breedingloan from the Brookfield Zoo located in Chicago. Mango was no stranger to training, as she worked daily with trainers at the Brookfield Zoo; however, she had never been exposed to shows before. Mango and Colby both required dedicated care from their trainers to help them with a smooth transition into a new environment. By always making training sessions fun and positive, we were easily able to introduce these two animals to larger crowds and acclimate them to the sounds of roller coasters! Fortunately their trusting relationship with their trainers allows us to ensure all animals are comfortable, safe and relaxed in their new homes. Diego and Bumper have both traveled to Hersheypark for several seasons. These two did a fantastic job entertaining and educating park guests all about marine life and conservation in our seal and sea lion presentations. As established animals, they were also the stars of our Behind the Splash program, allowing guests to get up close and personal in a photo opportunity! Be sure to check out Hersheypark for the most up to date information on scheduled performances featuring Mango and Bumper this fall and winter. By following us on Facebook, you can receive the latest news on all of our seals and sea lions!

Shows are well underway for the summer season at our Hersheypark location. Diego, Colby, Mango, and Bumper have been educating guests this season with 4 educational presentations a day. Each presentation highlights amazing adaptations from both seals and sea lions, the care and training which is provided for each animal on a daily basis, as well as our stars help teach guests how they can do their part to help save our world and the animals which inhabit it. Diego is in Hershey for his 8th season, Bumper for his 4th, and Colby and Mango are there for their second! Each animal continues to learn and grow each day. Recently Colby learned a brand new behavior, a salute! This adorable youngster continues to awe crowds each day as he inspires his audiences’. This year we are also excited to welcome back our photo program, “Behind the Splash”, as a way for guest to purchase a ticket to get their picture taken with one of our flippered friends! Be sure to visit www.hersheypark.com and www.oceansoffun.org for more details, as well as stop by the Hersheypark Aquatheatre this summer to get your chance to see our stars up close and personal for a truly memorable and educational experience! Want to keep up with what’s happening in our animals lives? Like us on Facebook and keep up with our current events! Like us!

We cannot believe how quickly the year has gone and that we are already looking ahead to another great season in 2018!  With the holidays fast approaching, we will be offering deals on all of our interactive programs including two new programs!  Each of our programs consist of various educational portions about our animals, our facility, the environment, and so much more.  What makes our programs unique is the opportunity to meet our seals and sea lions up close and personal!  Our two newest programs: our Sea Lion Surprise Day Camp and Caring for Flippered Friends Kids Program combine both of these for the perfect experience for the animal lover in your life. What goes into providing topnotch welfare to the seals and sea lions that call Oceans of Fun home? Our Caring for Flippered Friends is a two and a half hour program that allows kids ages 8-13 to put themselves in the shoes of our animal care team and explore the many different components that keep our animals and their habitat healthy.  They will then apply all of their knowledge as they work poolside with some of our amazing animal ambassadors!  Learn more about our Caring for Flippered Friends program by clicking here. Also new this year is our Sea Lion Surprise Day Camp which is perfect for a family on the go!  This program for 8-13 year olds has various spring and summer sessions that all include different topics relating to marine mammals, adaptations, and more!  No matter if you choose to join us for one, two, or more days, this program allows for plenty of poolside interaction time with our animals and is sure to be waves of fun! Learn more about our Sea Lion Surprise Day Camp program by clicking here.

Is Ocean Connections open during the winter time? YES!  Our seals and sea lions are well adapted to the winter weather thanks to a 1-6 inch layer of blubber that keeps them warm.  They also have access to heated, sheltered, indoor areas throughout the day and all through the night. Can guests visit Ocean Connections? ABSOLUTELY!  Our Seal & Sea Lion Feedings and Photo Sessions are offered daily.  We are still mindfully taking into consideration CDC Guidelines and have designated areas for guests to maintain a minimum of 6 feet of social distancing during programming.  Face masks must be worn throughout the entirety of their visit.  Be sure to check out our Saving Species Masks by clicking here or visiting our Sea Lion Shoppe located across from Monkey Island. Are you still offering programs at this time? As long as the high for the day is above 32 degrees fahrenheit, our Seal & Sea Lion Feedings and Photo Sessions will be offered at 10:30, 12:00, and 1:30.  We also offer our 30-minute VIP behind the scenes program, Flippered Friends & Family, daily at 12:30.   Do we need to register in advance? You do not need to register in advance however it is highly encouraged. To pre-purchase tickets for our Seal & Sea Lion Feedings or to register for a Photo Session, click here. To pre-register for our Flippered Friends & Family Program, click here. What is your policy regarding severe winter weather? In the event of inclement weather, we will publicly post on our social media pages noting any closures as soon as we can.  While we do not offer refunds, we can reschedule tickets or programming to accommodate cancellations due to weather-related closures. If you have any other questions or concerns, you can always call our office at (414) 453-5527.

  Ocean Connections is committed to protecting our local and global waterways.  We will be hosting river clean-ups at all of our locations.  Check out our upcoming events below:       Hershey Clean-Up September 26th from 10:30-11:30 @ Swatara Creek Watershed Myrtle Beach Clean-Up September 27th from 10:00am-12:00pm @ 8th Avenue N. Beach Access Panama City Beach Clean-Up September 20th from 9:00am-12:00pm @ Pier Park Drive & Front Beach Road Pigeon Forge Clean-Up September 27th from 10:00am-12:00pm @ Pigeon Forge Greenway If you have any questions, please contact us at education@oceanconnections.org or (414) 246-7068.

Fight Ocean Pollution – Become the Solution Join Our World Oceans Month and create a #DebrisFreeSea!   We need your help! The extreme threat of marine debris with its devastating effects on marine life has been recognized by governments and environmental organizations around the world. Join Ocean Connections and members of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA) and the European Association for Aquatic Mammals (EAAM) in the social media campaign to raise awareness of marine debris and motivate people around the world to clean up and prevent more trash from entering our world’s oceans. What Can You Do? ·         Reduce, Reuse, Recycle ·         Cut the loop of rubber bands and six pack rings before disposing of them ·         Organize or join clean-up activities in your area ·         Post, tweet, and share daily messages about marine debris, conservation, marine life and your efforts to help using the hashtag #DebrisFreeSea.  Let’s go viral and spread the messages around the world!   Be Part of the Global Effort. Download the free Marine Debris Tracker app for your smartphone or tablet and join a team. ·         In the U.S. and Outside of Europe: Log in to the app as Team Alliance (password: dolphin) ·         In Europe: Log in to the app as Team EAAM (password: monkseal) Be sure to follow us on Facebook to learn more about how you can help us create a #DebrisFreeSea! Working Together, We Can Create a #DebrisFreeSea

Join Oceans of Fun, the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA) and the European Association for Aquatic Mammals this June in celebrating World Oceans Month! Inspired by World Oceans Day, which was celebrated June 8th, this international partnership aims to raise awareness for ocean health and conservation efforts throughout the month. Oceans of Fun is proudly accredited by the AMMPA. Together we are joining a number of other accredited facilities worldwide in promoting environmentally friendly practices by sharing fun and easy tips as well as challenges to improve ocean health through Facebook and Instragram. Marine parks, zoos and aquariums are dedicated towards protecting our worlds’ oceans and recognize the impact each individuals’ actions have on the health of the environment. Though we educate zoo patrons about conservation on a daily basis, it is important we all take this month to reflect on the effects of our actions and focus on ways we can all help! Leading by example, Oceans of Fun staff has been out in the community joining in local conservation efforts. From showing off our reusable shopping bags and water bottles to carpooling to work, we are all making efforts to reduce our carbon emissions. This past week, we met up with the Friends of South Shore Park for a beach clean up! We were excited to learn that the Friends of South Shore Park hosts monthly beach cleanups and we cannot wait to join them again July 23rd  . We invite you to join us as well! Debris found on beaches can be detrimental to the animals that call it home. Although we cleaned up a beach along Lake Michigan, it’s important to recognize that debris in the midland can eventually work its way downstream to the ocean. Any pollution found in an animals’ habitat can be harmful and even fatal.  Fortunately by working together with our friends, families and communities, each individual can make a wave in the plight of the oceans and make a positive, lasting impact. Join us in protecting our oceans and share you and your families’ own efforts with us on Facebook!    

May 30th is World Sea Lion Day! We're celebrating this charismatic species with a fundraiser supporting their care.  Ocean Connections is committed to providing forever homes for rescued marine mammals as well as ensuring their well-being.  Your contributions will directly support the animal welfare efforts of Ocean Connections! To bid on our Silent Auction items, symbolically adopt one of our animal ambassadors, or donate today visit: https://sealionday.givesmart.com Ocean Connections is recognized by the IRS as a 501©3 non-profit organization.

Accredited zoos and aquariums are a crucial component in the race against extinction. These facilities are dedicated to the conservation of all species and we need your support. Zoological institutions that are accredited by organizations such as the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA) and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), like Ocean Connections, the Milwaukee County Zoo, and ZooAmerica get inspected to ensure that species in human care receive topnotch healthcare and an exceptional environment to thrive in.  This goes for all species great and small from Naked Mole Rats to Orcas from Monarch butterflies to Elephants, accredited facilities are the face of conservation.  These facilities in partnership with other conservation-based organizations, like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, play a pivotal role in the protection and preservation of threatened or endangered species.  Without accredited zoos and aquariums, the extinction of infinite species is inevitable. Ocean Connections is just one of the many accredited facilities across the globe that is dedicated to ensuring species survival.  We are devoted to a variety of conservation efforts from active participation in saving species to financial support.  Ocean Connections has contributed to rescuing stranded seals as well as California sea lions involved in the Unusual Mortality Event, researching pinnipeds in Punta San Juan to ensure survivability, and continued support of Walrus protection projects.  Conservation does not end with us.  It extends outward to a network of institutions we are in partnership with that have committed themselves to various conservation projects.  Our Ocean Connections Wisconsin location has been partnered with the Milwaukee County Zoo since 1991.  Home to over 3,000 animals, the Milwaukee County Zoo has been promoting an appreciation for all species and supporting the conservation of their diverse habitats since its inception in 1892.  From Bonobos to Humboldt penguins to many other critically endangered animals, their efforts have assisted with increasing wild populations and protecting the natural ranges of various species.  In 2009, we continued to expand as we were welcomed into a collaboration with Hersheypark and ZooAmerica in Hershey, Pennsylvania.  Milton S. Hershey, founder of Hershey’s Chocolate, took particular interest in environmental issues and established the first recycling center in Hershey, Pennsylvania long before recycling became a common practice.  They minimize oil and energy consumption, conserve 3.7 million gallons of water, and avoid over 6,000 pounds of air pollutants every year.  Located within Hersheypark is ZooAmerica which has a plethora of conservation initiatives of its own.  Dedicated to the preservation of North American wildlife, ZooAmerica has strived to promote public awareness, respect, and appreciation for the natural world while inspiring and motivating guests to take personal resposibility for the health of the planet.  ZooAmerica actively participates in breeding and reintroduction programs geared toward protecting endangered species from extinction.  Encroachment and loss of habitat are affecting many species including the majestic Peregrine falcon and the Regal Fritillary butterfly but by having these reintroduction programs we are restoring populations in their historic ranges from which they have almost completely disappeared.  ZooAmerica also participates in Species Survival Plan initiatives which are designed to maintain a healthy, genetically diverse, and demographically stable population for the long-term future.  This is coupled with collaboration with other accredited institutions and field project research that help us learn how to better serve species that are struggling.  One way we they are doing so is building nest boxes for various bird species including the Barn Owl, American Kestrel, Prothonotary Warbler, and Bluebird. By creating, monitoring, and studying these populations, these birds are not only provided with shelter for their nests but also provide the opportunity for research.  All of the information collected by ZooAmerica is helping to provide more data on the challenges these birds are facing and how we can best ensure their survival for future generations. Through our collaboration in conjuncture with other accredited zoological institutions, we have been saving species worldwide by inspiring conservation awareness.  Many species are struggling out in the wild and accredited facilities have made large strides to protect these animals but we cannot do it alone.  We need your help.  For it is only with your continued support that accredited zoos and aquariums can ensure these animals' survival for future generations. What many people fail to realize is that zoological institutions want animal populations to thrive in natural habitats.  Unfortunately the reality of it is that the wild is a dangerous place to be. 96 elephants are killed daily for their ivory tusks. Every eight hours, a rhino is killed for their horn.  Both of these animals now require armed protection from poachers.  Marine life of all types from cetaceans (whales/dolphins) to turtles to seabirds are washing ashore with stomachs full of plastic.  Due to this and overfishing, recent studies have shown that Southern Resident orcas are starving to death as their salmon becomes more and more scarce.  As many as 73 million sharks are losing their fins every year and being tossed back into the ocean to die to meet the demand of the shark-finning industry.  Since January of 2015, over 6,000 California sea lions have been found emaciated and stranded on beaches because of overfishing and global climate change drastically affecting their environment.  4,500 acres of forest are cleared every single hour to make way for housing and farming.  This is the equivalent to over 3,400 football fields and is endangering some of earth’s most beloved and rarest animals including Orangutans, tigers, okapis, snow leopards, and more.  Vaquitas weren’t discovered until 1958 and are the smallest and rarest cetacean.  59 years have passed since then and there are less than 30 individuals left in the wild since illegal fishing practices have this population on the brink of extinction.  Human-caused problems are creating an innumerable amount of obstacles for animals in the wild and we are obligated as shared inhabitants of this planet to take action before it’s too late.  Extinction is forever and once a species truly disappears it can never come back. However, we can all contribute to the success of species and one of the easiest ways to do so is by supporting accredited zoos and aquariums.  When you support zoological institutions you support the survival of species.  You support the reintroduction of species thanks to zoo-based breeding programs like the ‘Alalā (Hawaiian crow), Arabian Oryx, Tigers, Addax antelope, Rodrigues fruit bats, and so many more that have been critically endangered or even extinct in the wild.  You support rescued animals – like Ocean Connections’s harbor seal, Mango - that would not have survived out in the wild.  Animals in human care are living double or triple the lifespan of their wild counterpart thanks to the phenomenal care we are able to provide them.  By supporting these organizations, you support research that helps to better understand these animals’ needs.  This research helps ensure that even thriving wild populations can continue to survive and assists in conserving those that are in trouble.  It is our responsibility to work together to ensure that this single planet we all share is populated by these magnificent creatures for generations come.   Take action now! The following links provide the opportunity for you to start combating extinction: Read more about the conservation projects Ocean Connections is involved with here or donate now! Take a stand against the ivory trade by signing the Milwaukee County Zoo’s petition to Ban Ivory Trade in Wisconsin! Read more about elephant conservation projects by visiting 96 Elephants, International Elephant Foundation, and Elephants for Africa. Support anti-poaching rangers! Check out these Zoo Success Stories: Arabian Oryx Bali Starling Black-Footed Ferret Blue Iguana Butterflies California Condor Gopher Tortoise Gorillas Indigo Snake Painted Dog Puerto Rican Crested Toad Red Wolf Rodrigues Fruit Bats Siamese Crocodile Tigers Sign the petition to Ban Shark Fin Trading! Download the free Seafood Watch App to support legal, sustainable fishing practices and the free Palm Oil Guide App to support sustainable palm oil farming to combat deforestation. View Snow Leopard and Great Ape conservation projects. Discover marine debris projects and activities in your region.         Photos courtesy of: Ocean Connections, Milwaukee County Zoo, NOAA, Oceana, and ZooAmerica.