The Science At Sea Life Park
By Jeff Pawloski
Curator of Sea Life Park Hawaii
Sea Life Park has been in existence since 1964. Originally built as a research facility, public interest was so strong that the park divided into a research arm, Oceanic Institute, and a public venue, Sea Life Park.
Many well-known marine mammal scientists have studied animals at the park over the years, publishing ground-breaking findings.
Sea Life park ceased collecting animals from the wild in 1980 and relied on our successful breeding program. Currently, two out of three of our dolphins were born at the park, and our entire population of California sea lions was born here.
We freely share information in marine mammal fields such as veterinary medicine, reproduction and animal behavior with other marine mammal and educational institutions around the world. Committed to assisting other agencies in the protection and recovery of the Hawaiian monk seal, we are intensifying our efforts by expanding our habitat to house more injured, abandoned and ill seals.
The park is the only institution in the United States that maintains an active breeding colony of green sea turtles. Since its inception, we have released more than 12,000 turtles into our surrounding Hawaiian waters. We proudly act as the only 24-hour treatment and rehabilitation center for native sea birds. On average we rehabilitate more than 1,000 sea birds per year.
Since Palace Entertainment gained ownership in 2008, we have committed millions of dollars to upgrading our exhibits, animal care and education programs, while raising public awareness of the environment and conservation practices for all marine animals.
The park recognizes at all levels the importance of providing a platform to learn and explore marine life by providing community schools with the opportunity to experience Sea Life Park’s many facets. It continues to operate and completely fund its Hawaiian monk seal, green sea turtle and Hawaii sea bird rehabilitation programs.
For more information on Sea Life Park, visit our website, sealifeparkhawaii.com.