Discovery Cove, Marine life theme park in Orlando, United States
Discovery Cove is a marine life facility in Orange County, Florida that recreates coral reefs, tropical beaches, and aquatic habitats where guests interact with dolphins, rays, and thousands of fish in monitored areas. The facility divides into several zones with varying depths and temperatures, each tailored to specific species.
SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment opened the facility in 2000 with the goal of admitting only a limited number of visitors per day to allow personal encounters with animals. Operators chose Orlando as the location to test the concept near other parks in the group.
This center blends entertainment with education about tropical seas and shows guests the diversity found in coastal waters. Many visitors touch rays or swim alongside dolphins under trained supervision for the first time in their lives.
Admission covers meals, snacks, drinks, swimming gear, towels, and animal encounters with no extra fees during the visit. Reservations must be made in advance because the facility limits daily attendance to provide enough space for animals and guests.
The park caps attendance at 1,600 guests per day, and reservations are required before arrival. In 2008 a bottlenose dolphin named Sharky died at the park after colliding with another dolphin during an aerial movement signalled by staff; the cause was listed as a traumatic cervical vertebral fracture.
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