LA’s Own Marineland Podcast Episode 6: “Eye-to-Eye with Orky and Corky” By Writer and Podcaster Tod Perry
The following is the sixth article in a 12-part series covering “LA’s Own Marineland,” a podcast documentary on the history of the oceanarium produced, written, and hosted by writer-podcaster Tod Perry. The first article in the series, “The Birth of Marineland,” which takes a behind-the-scenes look at the show’s genesis and production, can be read here.
Episode 6 of the podcast covers the park’s history from 1978 through 1979. It focuses on the park’s grand reopening as Hanna-Barbera’s Marineland and takes an in-depth look at its star attractions, killer whales Orky and Corky. The show begins with the story of mammal trainer Jill Stratton who, in an attempt to teach Orky new behaviors while the park was closed for upgrades, was pulled to the bottom of the tank, and nearly drowned. She was saved by two members of Marineland’s marine mammal care staff and Corky, who helped bring her to safety.
The incident would change how trainers interacted with Orky going forward. On May 27, 1978, the park reopened as Hanna-Barbera’s Marineland with a new entrance gate, upgraded flora and fauna, a Passages Beneath the Sea exhibit, and a new stadium for the sea lion show. Hanna-Barbera also brought in a new business philosophy that placed greater importance on group sales to boost attendance.
The episode concludes with a look into the lives of Orky and Corky, examining their unique personalities and relationships. Orky had a rather gruff demeanor but was extremely intelligent and an adept gameplayer. Corky loves interacting with people but demands that she is treated with kindness.
Marine mammal trainer Gail Laule likens their relationship to a married couple and even though Orky was dominant, Corky held a lot of power in their dynamic. Live Events Director Jim Roope says they remind him of an old saying: “You want to talk to the man in charge, he’s right in here. If you want to talk to the person who knows what’s going on, see the woman in the outer office.”
Before you listen to the show, there is one warning: If you listen to this podcast while seated in the first five rows of the Killer Whale Coliseum, you will get wet. You may get soaked. Subscribe to “LA’s Own Marineland" on the following platforms: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Podcasts, or Pandora. Learn more about the show at MarinelandPodcast.com.
You can also listen to the show on YouTube:
Subscribe to “LA’s Own Marineland" on the following platforms: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Podcasts, or Pandora. Learn more about the show at MarinelandPodcast.com.
