More information about the Pet Porpoise Pool
Creatures from the deep possess an almost hypnotic quality about them. As well as being interesting to watch, these animals have been used by man as a reminder of our weaknesses. When we see a picture of a fluffy white seal we tend to be reminded of cruelty and greed, similarly the dolphin now represents environmental purity. Despite everything these mammals stand for, we continue to kill them off.
The Pet Porpoise Pool, however, working closely with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, provides a recovery refuge for stranded or injured marine life and other native fauna, as well as a centre where people can enjoy close association with the animals while learning about them on a personal basis. The experience and knowledge of the dedicated staff is well recognised and assures an excellent standard of care and well being for the park animals. The benign presentation providing an awareness of their environmental needs, while alerting people to the concern for the perilous position of their cousins in the wild.
 The raised construction of the pools, mean that the water level is at waist height, conveniently permitting visitors to actually pat and play with the dolphins between shows. With no bars to separate this friendly confrontation, all can experience the affection these marvelous mammals convey. In spite of its name, the Pet Porpoise Pool actually has no true porpoises, the performers being bottle nosed dolphins, however porpoises do come from the same whale family and even scientists commonly refer to dolphins as porpoise. The Pet Porpoise Pool is the only oceanarium in New South Wales licensed by the Government to exhibit dolphins, and the twice daily shows remain the city's star attraction. The popular, hands on style Marine Magic Shows will entertain and excite you.
Interaction begins at 9.30 am and 12.30 pm, shows feature the dolphins including Bucky and his son Zip born at the pool. The Pet Porpoise Pool also presents a number of Australian sea lions, who enjoy giving surprises to members of the audience by going for a wander through the grandstand landing big kisses on the ladies and shaking hands with the gentlemen and children. The smaller sea lions balance balls, do fin stands and ride skateboards with a light-hearted commentary subtly providing interesting educational information. Dolphins also pop up from the water to tail walk, somersault, dive through hoops, play football, as well as a number of special feats such as dancing the twist, while singing in porpoise language.
 The dolphins also take small fish from the more adventurous tourists willing to hold such a morsel high over the pool from a spring board. Nevertheless, the pool plays an important role in the rescue and rehabilitation of sick and injured animals, and visitors often see such animals recuperating in one of the special pools prior to returning to the wild. The relative expertise of the oceanarium crew is widely acknowledged, and they are freely cooperating in mutual interest with other marine life curators, remaining regularly consulted by Government Departments, university and scientific institutions, similar industry enterprises and animal welfare organisations both locally and overseas.
The team regularly participate in marine life research and study projects, particularly volunteering assistance with man-power, boats and other equipment to the annual research of the migrating humpback whales, conducted under the supervision of Professor W, Dawbin on behalf of the Australian Museum, Sydney.
Though the oceanarium displays a wide variety of sea life, its significant educational values should not be underestimated, with many hundreds of school children attending the specially presented, marine life lecture sessions annually.
Coffs Harbour, a University City, is situated on the Pacific Highway and serviced by train, airline and bus transportation. The area provides varied interests and excellent facilities for school excursions.
Attractions and activities available include the historical museum, art and craft galleries including Australia's only cartoon art gallery and model exhibition.
Coffs harbour is home to the Big Banana Park, and visiors enjoy a visit to the worm farm, botanic gardens and nurseries. Something for everyone, enjoy boat and fishing cruises including whale watching, go Scuba diving, or parachuting, or take a 4 wheel drive nature and adventure safari through rainforests, or a Harley motor bike tour. Racing Kart track and cart hire prove popular and the indoor sports stadium provide for indoor rock climbing , indoor cricket. Tennis and squash courts, plus numerous sports ovals, scenic walks, swimming and surf beaches are all great reasons to visit the area.
Remaining the centre of a major tourism region, Coffs Harbour offers a large range of accommodation avenues for package excursions, from economic camping grounds, regular motels and back packer hostels, to top class resorts, with the tourist information centre happy to provide advice and information to assist in arranging group visits to this wonderful Holiday Coast.
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