National Dolphin Day!
Every year on April 14th, we celebrate National Dolphin Day—a day dedicated to honoring these intelligent, social, and graceful marine mammals. Dolphins have captured the hearts of our guests with their remarkable intelligence, playful antics, wonderous agility, and friendly demeanor.
We are truly grateful for the amazing animals that bring so much joy and wonder to our lives—let’s take a moment to celebrate a few of them together – beginning with the dolphins rescued and rehabilitated by SeaWorld San Diego Rescue and our dedicated veterinary team!
A Second Chance with SeaWorld Rescue
SeaWorld San Diego is truly special for countless reasons, but what makes it truly inspiring is the incredible work of the SeaWorld Rescue Team. This dedicated team leaps into action to rescue, rehabilitate, and return animals in need whenever the call arises—from stranded sea lions to injured birds and more. Among these heartwarming and countless rescues are Chance and Cardiff, two remarkable dolphin calves whose stories demonstrate resilience, compassion and everything that makes the SeaWorld Rescue team special.
Cardiff
Cardiff is known as the one who defied all odds, he was rescued mid-January of 2024 on Cardiff Beach, California... can you guess where his name came from?
Upon arriving at the scene, the Rescue team quickly mobilized to rescue the dolphin calf, immediately transporting Cardiff to the park for lifesaving treatment. After further assessment, it was determined that he had suffered from a broken jaw in three places and head trauma and was only a few months old at the time.
When SeaWorld and its partners are called to rescue stranded cetaceans on the West Coast, the animal can have up to a 10% chance of survival and is dependent on many factors, but regardless of that Cardiff preserved! He recovered swimmingly and became a story of hope. Although he did recover, Cardiff was deemed non-releasable by NOAA because of his age and injuries. But no need to worry, Cardiff resides here at the park where he continues to receive the care he needs to prosper!
Chance
Named after the second CHANCE at life he received, Chance was discovered abandoned at the South San Diego Bay salt flats and was about 1 to 2 months old. He showed no external injuries but was in critical need of care as a dependent young dolphin. Chance received round-the-clock care at SeaWorld, where the Rescue team provided specialized tube feeding and attentive support. Similar to Cardiff, Chance was deemed non-releasable by NOAA and resides in the park, where he is provided with amazing care!
Chance and Cardiff’s journeys of recovery are just a glimpse into the life-changing impact SeaWorld’s Rescue teams have made for over 42,000 animals and counting.
Interesting fact: Did you know that Chance was the second dolphin calf to be rescued within just one year, following Cardiff by only a few months? The odds of such a rare event happening are incredibly slim!
For other fun-filled activities on National Dolphin Day, we suggest you that go ALL-DOLPHIN! Check out the below for sweet treats, character meet & greets, animal encounters and one delicious Fin-and Tonic!!! Plus, shop all the merch!!!
Special Moments at Dolphin Point
The good work of SeaWorld Rescue often occurs on our local beaches, but if you want to meet some of the dolphins in the park, Dolphin Point is a TOP fan-favorite spot, a place where education, fun and personality collide!
With its lively population of marine animal friends, you can spend hours hanging out there. But heads up, Jack’s got one mission: to soak you, just for laughs. Once he has your attention, he may even stick his tongue out at you!
For National Dolphin Day, get up close and personal with our playful pod. Meet Jack the joker, and don’t miss the heartwarming mother-daughter duo, Tobie and Sarasota. Mama Tobie is all about love and patience, especially with her spirited little one, Sarasota. Bring your family to meet theirs and make connections that matter!
Fin-Tastic Stories of Dolphins
After making unforgettable memories at Dolphin Point, take your adventure to the next level with our animal presentation at Dolphin Adventures! Learn more here.
Our educators shine the spotlight on these fascinating marine animals with even more content during the weekend National Dolphin Day presentations.
Here’s a sneak peek of who you’ll learn about!
You'll meet Avalon, the playful genius. When the pools need to be cleaned, Avalon helps, bringing clumps of algae to the surface like a tiny Loch Ness Monster. She even squeals proudly while crafting slimy treasures for the team, covering herself in algae and calling out with pure joy.
Next meet Bullet! She loves to play around with how she interacts with people often approaching underwater at her own leisurely pace. If you ever need to get her attention, call her from underwater. It’ll work... maybe... sometimes!
The most adorable dolphins you will find are at SeaWorld San Diego, with their big and quirky personalities, especially Coral, our sassy, cute Dolphin character. You can meet Coral as she strolls the park, she’s always excited to meet new friends!
Sweet Treat O’Clock
There’s always room for some sweets, especially if they are just as adorable as the dolphins themselves! Throughout the park, you will find the CUTEST dolphin themed desserts—from cookies to cupcakes, can you taste them all? I know I will... YUM!
A New Spin to Gin & Tonic? I’ll Take It!
You can cheers to National Dolphin Day and Happy Hour with our fun and splashy spin on the Gin & Tonic, a FIN & Tonic! Puns and drinks are always a must for having a great time. Stop by for Happy Hour on Sunday to cool down and celebrate National Dolphin Day. Even if you’re not a fan of gin, this one is so cute you have to TRY!
Hugs, Splashes and More!
Ever dreamed about hugging a dolphin? Your dream can come true right here at the park! SeaWorld offers an in-water interaction with dolphins so you can meet and be up-close these wonderful animals. You’ll have the chance of meeting the cutest mother-daughter pair, Tobie and Sarasota, our sassy lady Dottie and Kolohe, the biggest teddy bear!!! Make your friends jealous by booking your experience now and create moments you will always remember <3
AND as a Pass Member, you receive up to 20% off animal interactions—saving has never been so much fun!
Never Enough Animal Plush!
There is no such thing as having too many plush animals, especially cute and cuddly dolphin plushies! And what better way to celebrate National Dolphin Day than snagging up all the cute dolphin plushies to decorate your room or office! This is the perfect opportunity to use your Pass Member discount of up to 25% to buy the cutest souvenir or cuddle buddy.