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If you would like to mail in your donation, checks can be made out to Ocean Connections and mailed to: Ocean Connections 10001 W. Bluemound Road Milwaukee, WI 53222 Please be sure to include the following information: Your Name Email and contact information An Optional Message   YOU can make a difference in the lives of the animals at Ocean Connections! < < Back to GIVING BACK

“Green” Ideas What does going “green” mean? Going “green” is simply making eco-friendly choices in the products we purchase and the food we consume for a healthier lifestyle. Pack lunches in reusable, PVC-free lunch containers and try to pack healthy waste-free snacks like fruits and vegetables.   Use cold water to wash your clothes. It takes a lot of energy to heat water needed to do a load of laundry. Pay attention to packaging. Bring reusable bags when you go shopping and choose products with less packaging. During the heating season, open your curtains during the day to let sunlight in. In the evening, close your curtains to retain heat and reduce the chill from cold windows. Change regular light bulbs for more energy efficient fluorescent light bulbs.If each American changed out just 5 bulbs we would keep more than 1 trillion pounds of green house gases out of the air. That is equalto $6 billion in energy savings.   Leave no trace. It’s important to leave the environment as you found it or in a more pristine state than what you encounter. Be sure to dispose of your waste properly when out on a hike, exploring in a forest or walking along the beach. Better yet, lend a hand and pick up stray litter to help protect wildlife.   Keep your distance. Always view wildlife from a safe distance. Do not disturb animals, approach or try to feed them. Wild animals can be unpredictable and protective of their young and shelter. Use binoculars to view wild animals without disrupting their natural way of life.   Stay away from wildlife that looks sick or injured. If you come across a sick or injured animal, do not try to help the animal yourself. Instead, call your local animal shelter or wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center and give them details about the animal. These trained professionals will be able to provide care in a safe setting to help the injured animal.     Fix the faucet. That kitchen sink that has been dripping the past few months that you have been meaning to fix, now is the time! You can save nearly 3,000 gallons of water in a year just by fixing a leaky faucet. Don’t sit idle. When your car sits idle, you are burning fuels which release more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.  When possible turn your car off!     Be energy efficient.  Purchase appliances that are energy efficient. Appliances that are turned off still use up electricity, its called standby power or vampire power.  So unplug appliances you aren't using! Use an eco-friendly snow and ice melt in the winter. Rock salt may be cheap but it creates problems for plants, groundwater supplies, pets and children who play outside. Keep your family and the environment safe with an alternative deicer that works in lower temperatures than traditional rock salt. Stop the drafts. Hold a burning stick of incense near windows and doors to locate gaps and drafts. You can easily seal these gaps with caulk for a warmer and more energy efficient winter. Invite people over. Instead of turning up the heat when the indoor temperature drops, invite friends and family for an impromptu party. Research indicates that each guest is the equivalent of a 175-watt heater! Not only will you have fun, you’ll feel toasty, too. Check out your local farmer’s market.  Buy in season, local autumn veggies in bulk now and can or freeze them for a healthy, delicious winter meal. Use a garden rake instead of a leaf blower to clean up the yard to conserve energy and get physical exercise. Once raked up, use the leaves as mulch to protect plants throughout the winter or add them to a compost pile. Visit a thrift store when planning your Halloween costume. Piece together a chic retro costume, create a styling masterpiece or get the little bit of inspiration you need to design a hauntingly perfect costume this Halloween – all for a reasonable price while keeping Mother Nature in mind.    

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.

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 “what you see with your eyes, you value in your heart” philosophy brings you nose to nose with marine mammals in person or virtually. These unique experiences assist in creating a sustainable future of environmental leaders, making a positive impact on the natural world, and building a community of conservation. To increase our commitment to the community, we will be hosting our 5th Annual Turn the Tide Charity Gala on Saturday August 5th, 2023. We would be honored by your presence as our sponsors and supporters come together to enjoy an evening at a private lakeside manor in Nashotah, Wisconsin. Turn the Tide will include the unique opportunity to interact with exotic animal ambassadors from around the world, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, open bar, silent and live auction items, and many surprises you won’t want to miss! Turn the Tide is our premier gala and one of the most important fundraisers to keep critical programs and initiatives alive at Ocean Connections. Our gala is the conservation event of the summer and attracts a highly desirable market segment attended by a multitude of our local business professionals and community members who believe in the cultural and educational benefit Ocean Connections brings locally and globally. It is only with your continued support that we are able to do what we do. Whether your goal is conservation support, community involvement, increased brand recognition, or cause marketing, we offer a variety of customized benefits packages to develop a mutually beneficial partnership! They include but are not limited to:         TURN THE TIDE GALA For questions about becoming a sponsor for our Turn the Tide Gala contact Brittany Grogan at brittany@oceanconnections.org.   All sponsorships must be received by FRIDAY, JUNE 23RD, 2023 (unless otherwise arranged).  Sponsor Levels: Presenting Sponsor -  $15,000 ($13,400 tax deduction) Event Experience and Recognition: Exclusive Presenting Sponsor with premiere logo placement on promotional materials Featured donor highlight in our Fan Club online publication Verbal recognition at the event 16 tickets to the event 2 VIP tables with champagne Animal Ambassador Sponsor - $10,000 ($9,200 tax deduction) Event Experience and Recognition: Premiere logo placement on promotional materials Exclusive signage featuring premiere logo placement near animal areas Verbal recognition at the event 8 tickets to the event 1 VIP table with champagne Conservation Education Sponsor - $5,000  ($4,600 tax deduction)  Event Experience & Recognition: Premiere logo placement on promotional materials Exclusive signage featuring premiere logo placement on our event's Education Cart Verbal recognition at the event 4 tickets to the event Table seating with champagne Dessert Table Sponsor - $2,500 ($2,300 tax deduction) Event Experience & Recognition: Premiere logo placement on promotional materials Exclusive signage featuring premiere logo placement on our dessert table Verbal recognition at the event 2 tickets to the event Table seating with champagne Check-In Sponsor - $1,000  ($900 tax deduction) Event Experience & Recognition: Premiere logo placement on promotional materials Exclusive signage featuring premiere logo placement on our check-in table Verbal recognition at the event 1 ticket to the event Table seating with champagne Check-Out Sponsor - $1,000  ($900 tax deduction) Event Experience & Recognition: Premiere logo placement on promotional materials Exclusive signage featuring premiere logo placement on our check-out table Verbal recognition at the event 1 ticket to the event Table seating with champagne Want to learn more about how we fullfill our mission? Click here to read our Education Impact Summary!  

Please fill in your order number and golfer information below so we can be ready for you when you arrive at the golf course. If you have purchased a full team, please fill in information for all 4 golfers, if you have purchased a single golfer spot, please just fill in the fields for the primary golfer.

  August 5, 2023 4:00pm – 8:30pm Hosted at a private Manor on Nagawicka Lake. No parking at event. Transportation will be provided. All guests will park and meet our event shuttles at the St. Joan of Arc Parish (120 Nashotah Road Nashotah, WI 53058) Shuttles will run continuously between 3:30-9:00pm.                                          EVENT ITINERARY 3:30pm- 4:30pm Transportation Begins Ocean Connections will provide a shuttle to bring you to the event!  4:00pm- 4:15pm   Welcome Activities Enjoy a refreshing cocktail, gourmet appetizers, peruse our silent auction items, and other surprises you won't want to miss! 4:15pm-5:15pm Interactive Program with Animal Ambassadors Attendees will receive the opportunity to interact with animal ambassadors from around the globe.  Our beautiful ambassadors will engage you in the experience of a lifetime as you meet and learn about their amazing stories.  From wallabies to porcupines to a tamandua and sloth, these animals will inspire your love and appreciation for the natural world we share. 5:15pm-7:00pm Turn the Tide Featured Presentation (Part 1) Turn the Tide Featured Presentation will be hosted by Ocean Connections President, Shelley Ballmann.  Enjoy our friends and animal ambassadors from Timbavati Wildlife Park as well as many other surprises you won't want to miss! The Featured Presentation will conclude with our live auction. 7:00pm-7:30pm Intermission Refresh your drinks, grab dessert, and start finalizing your Silent Auction bids as more exciting events await.  The Silent Auction will end promptly at 7:30pm. 7:30pm-8:00pm Turn the Tide Featured Presentation (Part 2) You won't want to miss a surprise guest appearance from a very unique animal ambassador.  This inspirational second half of the presentation is sure to sink its claws into your heart. 8:00pm-8:30pm Closing Activities Surprise items await you during the final activities of the evening.  Bid high and bid often. It's all for conservation! 8:30pm-9:30pm Returning Transportation Continuous shuttles will bring guests back to their vehicles after a night of putting the "fun" in fundraising!   MEET OUR SPECIAL GUESTS KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Shelley Ballmann Shelley Ballmann is a conservation leader and expert in marine mammal behavior, training, and welfare. Shelley has dedicated herself to providing a sanctuary where both animals born within human care and rescued seals and sea lions educate diverse audiences on the challenges animals face in today's world. With a personal passion for conservation education, Shelley is committed to the impact connecting people to nature has on influencing positive change for our world.  In partnership with coastal rescue centers and local educational institutions, it is Shelley's goal to create a community of conservation. Special Guests: Timbavati Wildlife Park This year Ocean Connections has partnered with Timbavati Wildlife Park to bring you an amazing animal experience. Located in the Wisconsin Dells, Timbavati offers family friendly, immersive experiences in a beautiful environment. They are home to over 400 animals that represent over 75 different species. Learn more about them by visiting: https://timbavatiwildlifepark.com/     FEATURED ARTWORK by Stephen Fishwick World-renowned and beloved artist, Stephen Fishwick, creates conservation masterpieces. His ability to incorporate color, movement, and sound into each of his paintings creates an aesthetic style all of his own. Stephen Fishwick infuses every original creation with the passion that drives his art and performances.  Vibrant and unique prints are yours to take home and are sure to liven up any space you hang them. In a career that has spanned over two decades, Stephen has earned widespread acclaim, but what makes him most proud are his philanthropic endeavors that have raised over $1 million for different charities. He has also produced artwork for corporate America, with professional clients that include That National Football League, Microsoft, Apple, Coca-Cola, Disney, Anheuser-Busch, the San Diego Padres, and National Geographic. Stephen has committed to conservation awareness through his paintings. His inspirations are inspiring! https://youtu.be/VkNYUpS2NLQ https://youtu.be/c72_B4Dsfkc?t=76   YOUR SUPPORT DIRECTLY CONTRIBUTES TO: CARE • CONNECT • CONSERVE Ocean Connections is committed to providing exceptional care to all of our animal ambassadors. Our animal ambassadors all have unique stories and by connecting you to all of them, we can educate others about the troubles directly impacting these species and their habitats. This helps us to better serve their wild counterparts and conserve species for generations to come! Your contribution directly assists with: Updated medical equipment necessary for health assessments and veterinary visits Modernizing animal areas High quality nutrition and dietary needs Local and global conservation efforts Species rescue, rehabilitation, and protection programs EDUCATIONAL REACH Education is at the heart of what we do. Our educational programming combines quality, STEAM+ based curriculum and quality time with our animal ambassadors. With our interactive and outreach programs continuing to evolve, Ocean Connections is in desperate need of updated equipment to increase the creation of hands-on learning opportunities that are available to diverse audiences. Your patronage will help further our commitment to providing quality science programming to the community by supplying funding for: Improved technology for distance learning opportunities Sponsoring field trips and outreach opportunities for Title 1 Schools Interactive learning displays Hands-on materials to encourage inquiry-based exploration of marine species   – CLICK TO PURCHASE TURN THE TIDE GALA TICKETS NOW! – Unable to join us? Please consider partnering as a Turn the Tide sponsor or making a donation to support our efforts! Each sponsorship level is accompanied by unique event benefits. To learn more or make a contribution visit us at www.oceanconnections.org/events Special Thanks to our wonderful Turn the Tide Sponsors!                  .    

Ocean Connections, the registered 501(c)3, non-profit organization that operates Oceans of Fun, has inspired over 200,000 patrons annually and is committed to environment awareness and community engagement in conservation leadership.  Our goals extend beyond our facility into the community through educational opportunities for all ages and abilities, local and global conservation efforts, and research projects aimed at saving species worldwide.  We are eagerly planning for the future and partnership is integral key in our success.  Leading the way in conservation awareness and action is an extraordinary feat which can only be achieved with your continued support.  From hosting private corporate shows to individual interactive packages to supporting our various events throughout the year, we have customizable packages for your sponsorship investment to thank you for your support! Your contribution will assist with: Animals & Animal Care  - We pride ourselves on providing exceptional animal welfare to the seals and sea lions that call us home.  From cooperative medical training and world reknown veterinary care to ensuring a meticulously balanced, healthy diet and environment for all of our flippered friends, we ensure that all of our animals receive the best possible care. Conservation - Our mission is to touch the hearts of others and inspire them to engage in conservation efforts.  Our Saving Species initiative features local and global conservation projects geared toward protecting animals and habitats worldwide. Educational Opportunities - Whether it's through our daily presentations, interactive opportunities, or outreach programs, we love encouraging others to take action in protecting our environment as we raise awareness about the challenges marine life is facing.  We offer a variety of programs that bring guests up close and personal with our animal ambassadors in hopes to foster understanding for these incredible animals.  It is our hope to promote the mantra of Baba Dioum: "In the end we will conserve only what we love, we will love only what we understand, and we will understand only what we are taught" and pass on the love for our planet to the conservation leaders of tomorrow. Providing Forever Homes - Ocean Connections and Ocean Connections are proud to be in partnership with stranding centers along the coastlines.  In our history, we have provided forever homes for eight rescued animals that otherwise would not have survived in the wild.  These members of our family serve as amazing ambassadors helping to raise awareness of the struggles their species are facing. It is only with your continued support that we are able to do what we do.  Whether your goal is conservation support, community involvement, increased brand recognition, or cause marketing, we offer a variety of customized benefits packages to develop a mutually beneficial partnership!  They include but are not limited to:         TURN THE TIDE GALA For questions about becoming a sponsor for the 2020 Turn the Tide Gala contact Karen Wilkey at karen@oceanconnections.com or (262) 442-5144.   All sponsors receive acknowledgement on social media, listing or logo in the Turn the Tide program, and on the Ocean Connections website. Sponsor Levels: Saving Sea Lions = $10,000 ($8,914 tax deduction) Event Experience and Recognition: Exclusive Presenting Sponsor 8 - VIP Experience Turn the Tide Gala tickets One-of-a-Kind Private Interactive Event: 1/2 hour before VIP event to meet & greet our exotic animal ambassadors and have a unique photo opportunity with our cheetah animal ambassador Opportunity for your company banner or sign to be predominately displayed at the entrance to Turn the Tide Gala Your company name, logo and recognition on our website, Event Program, social media (including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter), event’s electronic media presentation and any reference to Turn the Tide Gala Your company's logo will be featured on the Gala’s Reusable Bag giveaway to all VIP attendees 8 VIP tickets to the Milwaukee County Zoo, including parking, and to Ocean Connections Sea Lion Show where your company will be recognized and thanked for your support along with a private interaction to meet & greet our sea lions Sea Lion Party Favors – 8 unique Sea Lion painted champagne glasses with a bottle of bubbly! Refuge for Rescues = $5,000  ($4,700 tax deduction)  Event Experience & Recognition: 4 - VIP Experience Turn the Tide Gala tickets One-of-a-Kind Private Interactive Event: 1/2 hour before VIP event to meet & greet our exotic animal ambassadors and have a unique photo opportunity with our cheetah animal ambassador Your company name, logo and recognition on our website, Event Program, social media (including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter), event’s electronic media presentation and any reference to Turn the Tide Gala Your company's logo will be featured on the Gala's Reusable Bag giveaway to all VIP attendees Animal Ambassador Admiral = $2,000  ($2,000 tax deduction)  Sponsor one or our amazing animal ambassadors at the event! Support Spike the Alligator Cheetah Champion Sloth Steward Penguin Protector Event Experience & Recognition: An up-close and personal meet & greet with your amazing sponsored animal complete with a commemorative photo opportunity Your name(s)/company name & logo will appear with that animal during the VIP experience Recognition on the banner at the entrance to the event Recognition in the Event Program Harbor Seal Helpers = $500  ($500 tax deduction) Sponsor one or more more of the critical components of the event! Bar Environmentalist – support our Boat Bar Beverages Chair Conservationist – support the chairs for the presentation Table Preservationist – support the Bistro Tables for dining Conservation Ambassadors – support the company that is traveling with our event animal ambassadors Event Experience & Recognition: Recognition near your sponsored area Recognition in the Event Program

Thanks for participating in the Sea Lion Shuffle Stay Away 5K! Please fill out the form below to claim your free t-shirt. You must fill out a separate form for each registered 5K participant. T-shirts can only be mailed to addresses within the USA.    

.photoslider_main img {border: #93e4ff 10px solid; } .photoslider_thumb {border: #93e4ff 5px solid; } 10/11/11 Sonoma and Abby arrived in Milwaukee on October 4, 2011. They are both acclimating to their new home in Milwaukee beautifully and are spending their second week meeting new friends. Our goal this week is to ensure successful interactions between all of the sea lions- and so far it is going perfectly! All animals introductions have been positive with animals choosing to separate and work together in training sessions alongside new friends. It is exciting for all of us to watch as new friendships are becoming established!   < Back to Current Events

.photoslider_main img {border: #93e4ff 10px solid; } .photoslider_thumb {border: #93e4ff 5px solid; } 10/27/11 There is nothing better than beautiful fall weather in the mid-west! We have definitely enjoyed our share of sunshine and warmth this October allowing the trainers and animals at Ocean Connections to make some wonderful progress in acclimating both Sonoma and Abby into their new environment. This past week we have successfully trained both of our new arrivals on shifting between our holding areas and provided each of them positive controlled introductions to their new pool mates. Feeling very confident in the approximations we have made, we decided to open up all the doors yesterday and provide our critters free interaction time in all holding and show areas. Enjoying an afternoon of warm weather and sunshine, Makaia and Geneva chose to sunbath while Sonoma and Abby explored every nook, cranny, bucket and barrel in their new habitat. Sport floated all afternoon enjoying the water and sun. Slick, Scooter and Satara sought out trainers for extra back rubs and love while Diego tried to entice someone into playing with him! The day was a success and we will continue to increase the duration of time the entire group spends together. Our goal is to ensure positive interactions between the animals both in and out of session time . Looks like we are off to a great start!     < Back to Current Events

Meet Abby! Adult female California sea lion Born in June 1986 Average weight is approximately 220lbs Arrived at Ocean Connections October 2011 on a collaborative breeding loan with the Chicago Zoological Society. Abby is one of our oldest and most beautiful sea lions. With her blond fur, Abby is easy to spot swimming in  the pool with her other flippered friends! She came to us on a breeding loan from the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago, IL where she had spent most of her life. Working collaboratively with accredited zoos and aquariums allows us to ensure genetic diversity among our pinniped population. Abby integrated easily into her new pinniped family and appears to enjoy sunning with the adult female sea lions, snuggling with Slick during the evenings and occasionally playing with one of our youngsters. There is no doubt that Abby enjoys training! She is anxious to learn new behaviors and is always ready for her training sessions. Abby is definitely a fan of enrichment sessions, especially if we include fish or gelatin into play devices. With her eager personality and relaxed demeanor around guests, she is a star in our summer interactive programs and a show favorite.    

.photoslider_main img {border: #93e4ff 10px solid; } .photoslider_thumb {border: #93e4ff 5px solid; } Ocean Connections proudly celebrates the 30th Birthday of Sport our female California Sea lion this year. Sport is one of three , and the last surviving california sea lion which began with Ocean Connections in 1991 at the Milwaukee County Zoo. Life expectancy for california sea lions averages 6-10 years in the wild, however thanks to the quality of care marine mammals receive in zoos and aquariums today we expect to easily double their natural life span. California sea lion are commonly found along the West coast in the pacific ocean. They are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1971. Today while the natural population on the west coast is stable, life in our oceans is challenging. Marine Mammals face habitat destruction and encroachment of, pollution and a reduction in their prey due to over fishing of our oceans. Sport is an ambassador for marine mammals in the wild and has spent the past 21 years educating guest of Ocean Connections and the Milwaukee County Zoo on conservation awareness, marine mammals and environmental issues. Today while she is in retirement, and completely dictates her own schedule, she is commonly see sunbathing upon the back show stage enjoying the afternoon sun and occasionally still chooses to join in public presentations. Ocean Connections is a pinniped breeding facility specializing in interactive educational learning related to marine mammal training and conservation. Sport has given birth to 4 healthy pups at Ocean Connections and has entertained and educated thousands of guests. Please join in celebrating 30 years with this remarkable animal. Happy Birthday Sport!!! Read Sport's Bio

  Ocean Connections welcomes you to come visit our flippered friends!  Before you arrive, there are some policies to keep in mind.  Our top priority is ensuring the safety of our animals and guests so we are closely following the guidelines of the CDC as well as the Milwaukee County Zoo.  Please thoroughly read our protocols below before visiting.   The Milwaukee County Zoo is currently in Phase 2 of its reopening, with outdoor habitats open, along with some animal buildings, concessions, and merchandise outlets with 25 percent capacity for visitors and Zoo Pass holders.  Ocean Connections is open daily and will offer various programs throughout the day while enforcing the following:    Physical distancing and face masks for mitigating the spread of COVID-19 will remain in place to align with federal and state guidance.    Visual signage and staff members are reminding visitors to maintain a 6-foot physical distance while inside the Ocean Connections stadium.    All visitors must wear approved face masks fully covering their nose and mouth throughout the duration of their visit.  Approved face masks include: cloth face masks with two or more layers of breathable, washable fabric; or disposable face masks such as non-medical grade paper or procedure masks.  FDA-approved face masks for sign language (ASL or LEP) interpreters. Ocean Connections Saving Species Masks can be purchased by clicking here or visiting our Sea Lion Shoppe.  Unapproved face masks include: neck scarves or bandanas, neck gaiters or buffs, winter scarves, face shields, masks with exhalation valves or vents, masks with inappropriate images or writing.  Advanced registration for Ocean Connections Seal & Sea Lion Feedings and Photo Sessions is not required but is highly encouraged.  Ticketing and programming information can be found by clicking here.    Our Commitment to Keeping You Safe:  Ocean Connections and the Milwaukee County Zoo are taking additional precautions to keep you and your family safe during your visit including:  A single point of entry will be designated through which all visitors are admitted into the Ocean Connections stadium  Hand sanitizer stations will be located throughout the Zoo, including entrances and exits to our facility  We are enhancing our already-stringent cleaning protocols, and continuously cleaning and sanitizing all high-touch surfaces like railings, stanchions, and more  Ocean Connections visitors (ages 3+) will be required to wear masks. Ocean Connections Saving Species Masks can be purchased by clicking here or visiting our Sea Lion Shoppe. All Ocean Connections staff members working directly with the public will be required to wear masks    Ocean Connections is dedicated to the well-being and safety of its patrons, staff, and animals. We will continue to follow the required guidelines related to COVID-19. Please be aware that changes to Ocean Connections operations and protocols may occur at any time.  Current guidelines are temporary and, when appropriate, Ocean Connections will transition into cooperation with the Phase 3 guidelines set forth by the CDC and Milwaukee County Zoo. 

Ben Lorber from WISN-TV Channel 12 came out to to showcase Ocean's of Fun newest family member, Talise!  We can't thank him enough for capturing such precious moments of Talise's first weeks!  Click here to check out his wonderful slideshow!

.photoslider_main img {border: #93e4ff 10px solid; } .photoslider_thumb {border: #93e4ff 5px solid; } Aqua Kids visit Ocean Connections! Aqua Kids is an award-winning children's program dedicated to educating young people about the importance of protecting marine environments and the animals that live there. Aqua Kids motivates young people to take an active role in preserving aquatic environments and wildlife, by showing how other kids just like them can do the same. This week Aqua kids visited Ocean Connections where we taped an episode on marine mammal care, training and conservation. Everyone involved enjoyed a fantastic day of fun and learning. The episode will air in fall of 2011 - we'll keep you posted as to the date as it becomes available. Here's a look back at our day. < Back to News