London Dolphinarium: 1971 -

BACKGROUND

Opening on 1 April 1971, the London Dolphinarium was located at 65 Oxford Street in London and owned by the Pleasurama Leisure Group. The construction of this facility was estimated to be £200,000.  At that time, the company also owned Marineland in Mallorca and a temporary dolphin holding and training pool located in the Pleasurama's Amusement Park at Ramsgate. In December 2012, 65 Oxford Street and some of the remaining infrastructure from the original dolphinarium were demolished for redevelopment.


A Review of Dolphinaria states: 

The indoor pool was 14.63 x 5.18-6.40 x 3.05 m deep, with a holding pool 4.27 x 5.18 x 2.13 m deep. Taylor (1980) says that the males had to be treated with anti-androgens to prevent them making vigorous amorous advances to the 'aquamaids' who took part in the show. He says that the establishment was never a great financial success. Burton (1972) mentions an experimental lecture and demonstration service for schools. Trainers: Mr B. Whitehead and Mr G. Marshal.

 

Entrance to the holding pens under the seating highlighted in red.

Holding Pen

 

Holding pools at the dolphinarium under the seating and abutting Soho Square.

 

 

 

The picture taken during the presentation of the Christmas pantomime hence the theatrical dressing. Paul Dupuy is the trainer in the photograph courtesy of his granddaughter Sophie Caine.
 

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