Murmansk Oceanarium

The Oceanarium  proudly bears the title of the northernmost in Europe, where Arctic seals live and perform.

The Murmansk Oceanarium began its history in 1984, when a laboratory for the study of marine mammals was organized in the Murmansk Marine Biological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences in the village of Dalniye Zelentsy. Along with fundamental scientific tasks, the laboratory was searching for solutions to the problems of using Arctic seals as human assistants in the sea. The results of the research exceeded all the expectations of scientists: it became possible to use some elements of Arctic seal training for organizing water circus performances. On October 4, 1996, on the day of the 80th anniversary of the hero city of Murmansk, the first performance for visitors was held under the dome of the Oceanarium.

The well — known artist of the Murmansk Oceanarium-Fila the seal is already 33 years old, he is the oldest gray seal performing in circuses of the world. As a baby, he was picked up by scientists on the island of Harlov. They were afraid that the cub would not survive, so they took it with them. Filya (full name Philip Murmansk) turned out to be a talented artist. The Oceanarium is proud of another mustachioed artist — the sea hare Dik, who is the only trained sea hare in the world. Of Russia. Dik, in addition to all that he can do, can boast of playing musical instruments. Each artist has his own interesting fate. Gray seal Zhiva came from Kaliningrad, where she was treated for a long time — the baby was badly injured, getting into the propeller of the boat. Now she is already performing, mastering a new profession and even learned throat singing.

Artists of the Oceanarium: Arctic seals Filya and Dasha, Greenland seal Peach, mustachioed sea hare Dik and a young, aspiring artist-gray seal Alive, are always happy to show circus performances. The circular arrangement of the audience seats allows you to see the performance area up close — the artists can be carefully examined, and some even patted, waiting for the end of the performance.

The Oceanarium not only organizes simple performances, but also celebrates special holidays, such as World Water Day.