ANIMAL TRAINING SCHOOL AND DOLPHINARIUM
SOUTH ELMSALL: 1973 - 1974

This was old public swimming pool built in 1932 and was operated by Jervale Ltd a company owned by filtration engineer John Nolan and his wife. The pool was mainly used as a centre for holding and training dolphins from 1973 until around 1974. The owners also operated the dolphin shows at Flamingo Park and Ocean Park in Sunderland. There has been some controversy relate to the number of animals that past through this facility with an American animal-rights group, the Animal Protection Institute of America, claming that documents discovered in Florida Government office reveal that no less that 34 dolphins were actually shipped to the South Elmsall establishment in that two year period. However, closer investigation reveals that these were permits to capture and export and that this number of animals was never captured or exported from the USA to this holding facility. The animals kept here were moved to Flamingo Park in 1975 and this numbered no more than 6 individuals.

OCEAN PARK - SEABURN - SUNDERLAND: 1973 - 1975

This site was built and developed by local fair owner John Colins and animals supplied in partnership with Jervale Ltd a company that from 1975 until early 1977 operated the dolphinarium at Flamingo Park Zoo. The dolphin pool was seasonal outside facility with animals displayed returning to Flamingo Park during the winter. The dolphin display appears to have only operated for no more than two summer starting in 1973.