In August of 1955, the Gulfarium opened its doors for the first time with admission prices at $1 for adults and $0.50 for children. In the beginning, the main habitat contained multiple animal species including sharks, dolphins, rays, and sea turtles.
The park's spectacular dolphin shows gained national recognition, and the high-flying porpoises were trained by none other than Marjorie, who quickly became an acclaimed expert for her innate ability to connect with the animals. Beyond the on-cue performances of sky-high leaps, hoop jumps, and clever antics in the pool, the Gulfarium is part of a greater mission. It plays a critical role in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of stranded marine mammals, sea turtles, and other native wildlife--a need it has continued to serve for more than half a century.