The Black Sea coast of the Krasnodar Territory, north of Novorossiysk, became in 1984 a place of pilgrimage for tourists. Increased interest among travelers and residents of nearby areas appeared in connection with the opening of a dolphinarium in the city of Gelendzhik. The dolphinarium, whose photos were posted everywhere in newspapers and magazines, was a new word in the field of water entertainment. The pool collected several species of marine animals from different regions of Russia.
Small business
The Dolphinarium in Gelendzhik was a small enterprise with state status, created on the basis of the Chernomorets water entertainment complex. Initially, the dolphinarium, which was called Utrish, did not have a worked out program of performances by marine artists, dolphins and seals. Several bottlenose dolphins (Black Sea dolphins) showed simple numbers. But gradually the dolphinarium in Gelendzhik became more and more spectacular.
In the summer of 1992, four dolphins were delivered to the Utrish Dolphinarium, which had the ability to quickly learn, and most importantly, all four had a sense of interaction, and smart animals could synchronously perform numbers of any complexity. A month later, the first performance of the four took place, and it made a splash. The coordination of the work of marine artists allowed us to create an extensive program of two departments, and since then the auditorium of the Utrish Dolphinarium, designed for 400 seats, has always been full.
Development
The dolphinarium expanded, new artists appeared from other water regions of Russia, these were belugas, seals and walruses. All pinnipeds found work, it is known how seals and seals can juggle balls and hoops, especially talented ones showed miracles of balancing act. For walruses as larger animals, whole theatrical scenes were invented in which the clumsy, at first glance, inhabitants of the sea , gracefully performed their roles. The subjects of the productions were very diverse, walrus artists performed together with their trainers and trainers.
Today, the dolphinarium in Gelendzhik is a well-known complex of water attractions with the participation of marine animals known throughout Russia and far beyond its borders.
Marine artists
- Bottlenose dolphins are Black Sea dolphins, smart animals with a friendly, outgoing character.
- Fur seals are unsurpassed jugglers and equilibrists.
- Steller sea lions are large eared seals brought from the shores of the Sea of Okhotsk.
- Walruses are capable of playing performances similar to theatrical ones, which cause the audience’s delight.
- Sea lion - delivered directly from the Amazon Delta, feeling great in a dolphinarium.
- Belugas are large dolphins from the cetacean family, funny and kind animals of snow-white color, they love children very much.
The program of performances of marine artists in the Gelendzhik Dolphinarium is constantly changing, the numbers alternate so that in one performance all the participants take to the stage. The complexity of circus performances is maintained by the directors at the highest possible level, but at the same time, the potential of the artists, their well-being and, as a mandatory factor, mood are taken into account. All rooms are built on the principle of rotation, that is, participants replace each other within the same output. This technique makes the presentation diverse.
The dolphinarium troupe has its own prima donnas and leading artists, which the audience knows by name. Among such participants:
- A dolphin named Pasha is a recognized leader of the whole pack of dolphins, who has unquestioned authority among his fellow tribesmen.
- Vassa is a young female, artistic and obedient, every time impatiently awaiting her release.
- Diana is an actress with experience, has been performing for more than ten years, has played many roles with constant success. For her, the affectionate word of the coach is of great importance.
- Mary - the daughter of Diana and Pasha, was born in 2007, performs with her parents, the family trio is a huge success.
- Young walruses Bulka, Poof and Tosha - each weighs 200 kilograms. All walruses love performances, and especially the fish that they are given for every successful exit.
- Sema is a shy seal from the Barents Sea, shy, he loves to pose in front of the camera.
Touring Perspectives
Dolphinarium in Gelendzhik will soon be able to go on a tour. Recently, dolphinarium specialists completed a training program for tours, which provides for the departure of marine artists, along with coaches and administrators, as well as cooks and nutritionists in other cities and regions of Russia. The purpose of such trips is to familiarize the general public with the art of water acrobatic performances. A mobile water circus promises to be in demand by an adult and children's audience.
In the meantime, Gelendzhiks Dolphinarium hosts daily performances by marine artists to the delight of numerous spectators.
Gelendzhik, dolphinarium: address, opening hours, prices
The dolphinarium is open all year round, except Monday.
The Dolphinarium in Gelendzhik is located at: 353460, Krasnodar Territory, Gelendzhik, Lunacharsky Street, 130.
On all days, from Tuesday to Sunday, the beginning of performances: 10.00, 12.30, 15.30, 18.00 local time.
The duration of the presentation is 50 minutes. The program changes completely once a year, a partial update of the program occurs daily.
How much is the dolphinarium in Gelendzhik:
- The cost of a ticket to performances at 10.00 and 18.00 for adults is 600 rubles, for children under 10 years old - 400 rubles.
- The cost of a ticket to performances at 12.30 and 15.30 hours for adults is 700 rubles, for children under 10 years old - 450 rubles.
- The cost of one ticket for children's group excursion visits is 350 rubles.
How to get there
You can get to the dolphinarium by bus 3, 5, 7, 8, as well as by minibus 3, 5, 7, 8, 14, 15, 22, 29 to the stop "Palace of Culture" or "Gelendzhik Dolphinarium".
Dolphinarium, Gelendzhik: reviews, opinions
Several thousand visitors arrive here daily to leave their reviews both in a special book and in conversations with administrators. Everyone who visited the dolphinarium in Gelendzhik noted the high performing skills of dolphins and other marine animals participating in the performance. Many viewers believe that for a children's audience the opportunity to communicate with the kind, talented artists who came to us from the depths of the sea is an experience for life.