In our first episode of the “LA’s Own Marineland” podcast we’ll take a look at how banker Henry Harris was inspired to build the park after the success of Marine Studios in Florida and why he chose Rancho Palos Verdes to be the site of the park. Later, we’ll follow the exploits of renowned fisherman Frank Brocato, captain of the Geronimo, who bravely amassed the greatest underwater menagerie the world has ever seen. Although his first few attempts to fill the massive giant fish tank weren’t that easy.

The show also covers the magnificent engineering that went into building the 640,000 gallon and 500,00-gallon oceanariums and the beautiful mid-century architecture provided by William Pereira.

We’ll also talk to some former park employees about the dangers of working alongside a flock of fearless seagulls at the park and why the location on the cliffs of Palos Verdes was so incredible. You’ll also learn from former head trainer Larry Clark about how the trainers got dolphins to do amazing tricks, including jumping through hoops of fire.

Lastly, we’ll celebrate Marineland’s opening day on August 28, 1954, where not everything went according to plan and the dolphins weren’t quite ready for prime time.