One of the Gold Coast's best-known theme parks celebrates a major milestone today.
Sea World is turning 50.
With more than 50 million visitors, 30,000 employees and 10,000 animal rescues since it opened its doors in 1971, Sea World has cemented its place in local history.
Originating as a water-ski show in the late 50s, the park has undergone major changes in both name and location.
It wasn't until the 1970s that Sea World ventured into marine life and rebranded as a theme park showcasing dolphin shows, rollercoasters and "aqua ballet".
'Part of our fabric'
Destination Gold Coast CEO Patricia O'Callaghan says the park has been a fundamental part of the Gold Coast since its inception.
"We are so proud of what they have contributed to our economy," Ms O'Callaghan said.
"They are a part of our social fabric and we are so proud to celebrate this with them, especially after surviving what has been a horrific 18 months."
Major Events Gold Coast CEO Jan McCormick says the success of Sea World should inspire other local tourist attractions to aim high.
"I think from a business perspective it really has demonstrated to the city that we can go big, we can go bold," Ms McCormick said.
"We can make it happen and all it requires is a lot of hard work and absolute commitment to what you're delivering."
'Like a family'
What started as a weekend job for Mitchell Leroy has become a career spanning almost four decades.
Now the curator of mammals and birds, Mr Leroy says the park has always felt like a family.
Mr Leroy plans to celebrate the milestone at Sea World, reflecting on the people and animals he has worked with.
"To think about some of the wonderful, wonderful animals that I have spent my whole life," he said.
Rescue efforts
More than 10,000 rescues of marine life have been performed by Sea World's team, including the rescue of humpback whales from shark nets and turtles and dolphins from drumlines.
Minister for the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Mark Furner congratulated Sea World rescue and his own Marine Animal Rescue Team (MART).
"Sea World does an excellent job, not only conservation but allowing the opportunities for people to interact with marine life," he said.
"I want to commend them for that ongoing work in that [rescue] space … it's a shining light to what we see around the state."
Sea World has conducted two rescues of humpback whales entangled in the government's own shark-control equipment on the Gold Coast this season.
In August, the Sea World Rescue Team, along with MART, embarked on a daring two-day-long rescue mission to release a whale from a shark net.
Changing attitudes and controversy
The park hasn't been without controversy.
There have been protests in recent years, with activists calling for an end to animals kept in captivity.
Mr Leroy says Sea World is an accredited zoo, and undergoes regular checks from the Zoo and Aquarium Association.
"They are looking at if the animal has good nutrition, good environment, good health," he said.
"We even engage an external contractor that operates her own animal welfare business and she will come down and assess our dolphin collection every year to ensure that we are meeting those targets."
