Kara-Dag dolphinarium, Marine research center in Kurortne, Russia
Kara-Dag dolphinarium is a facility with two pools for marine mammals, with the main pool housed in an enclosed building designed for observation and work with the animals. The second pool provides additional space for the marine life kept on site.
The facility began in 1901 as a military research center under Terenty Vyazemsky, where scientists studied marine life. After 1991, it transformed into a public entertainment venue serving visitors.
The name comes from the nearby Kara-Dag mountain, which means 'black mountain' in Tatar. Visitors can sense how the facility connects to its natural setting through the way it integrates with the surrounding landscape.
The facility sits within a protected nature reserve, so visiting is best during warm months. Performances last about 45 minutes and can be viewed from both ground level and an upper balcony for different perspectives.
A celebrated dolphin named Malish appeared in the documentary 'People and Dolphins' and brought significant attention to the work done here. This film exposure helped make the facility known beyond its local region.
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