BACKGROUND
The pool complex on Clacton Pier was a former outdoor swimming pool. It was converted and operated by Reg Bloom and his family; he was responsible for the introduction of dolphins and later whales to the UK at Flamingoland. The main residents were the bottlenose dolphins, Bubbles and Squeak, and later young killer whales. When the dolphins and whales left the pier, they continued to be display with sea lions and fur seals and also a marine aquarium. There continued to be a marine aquarium on the pier, The SeAquarium. It closes in 2023.
Opened: 1971. Closed: summer 1985 (Possibly also closed between 1979 and 1981). Outdoor, former swimming pool, 32.20 x 19.30 m; depth at centre 3.20 m sloping to 2.40 m at either side, with a holding pool 10.67 m2 included. Guided tours and lectures are mentioned by Williamson and Schoenberg (1976) and there was a natural history exhibit. This was a training establishment, with a number of animals passing through. The main residents were the bottlenose dolphins, Bubbles and Squeak, and most recently the three young killer whales. The last animal, Nemo, was moved to Windsor in the summer of 1985. Mr Bloom also obtained and transported animals for other owners. There was a strandings rescue service. Donaldson (1976) carried out studies on the use of the tongue and the sense of taste, with Bubbles and Squeak. A dolphin, Echo, was loaned to F. Hussain of King's College, University of London in 1972. The animal was to have been taken to King's for research on intelligence and communication, but the transfer was not completed.
The web site The Dolphin and Whales of Clacton Pier contain extensive and exclusive photographs and information on the history of the dolphinarium at Clacton.
The pool remained abandoned for many years after the dolphins, whales and sea lions left
The site has now been re-established as part of a major capital investment into the piers attractions.
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The log flume ride sits of two-thirds of the pool footprint. The deep end of the pool has been turn back into a pool and is now a boating lake.
THE SEAQUARIUM
