Marine World/Africa USA facts for kids
Orca show at Marine World in 1970
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| Date opened | 1968 |
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| Date closed | 1986 |
| Location | Redwood Shores, California, United States (1968–1986) |
| Land area | 66 acres (27 ha) |
| Coordinates | 37°32′N 122°16′W / 37.533°N 122.267°W |
| No. of animals | 500 |
| No. of species | 400 |
| Memberships | 389 |
Imagine a place where you could see amazing sea creatures and wild animals from Africa all in one park! That's what Marine World/Africa USA was like. This animal theme park was located in Redwood Shores, California.
It first opened in 1968 as just Marine World, focusing on ocean animals. Later, in 1972, it joined with a land-animal park called Africa USA. The park then moved to Vallejo, California in 1986. Today, it's known as Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. This article tells you about the park when it was in Redwood Shores.
Contents
The Story of Africa U.S.A.
Before joining Marine World, there were two parks named Africa U.S.A. in California. Both were connected to a famous animal trainer named Ralph Helfer.
The first Africa U.S.A. started in 1962. It was a huge 600-acre (240-hectare) ranch where Ralph and Toni Helfer trained animals. It was located near Palmdale, north of Los Angeles.
Animal Stars and TV Shows
Many famous animal actors lived at Africa U.S.A.
- Ivan Tors discovered Clarence, a lion with crossed eyes, there. Clarence became the star of the movie Clarence, the Cross-Eyed Lion (1965).
- This movie also led to the TV show Daktari, which was partly filmed at Africa U.S.A.
- Judy the chimp, another star of Daktari, also belonged to Ralph Helfer.
Other TV shows and movies filmed there included Cowboy in Africa, Gentle Ben, and even an episode of Star Trek called "Shore Leave". Ralph Helfer provided both the animals and the filming location.
A Big Storm
In January 1969, a huge rainstorm hit Africa U.S.A. The heavy rain caused severe flooding and mudslides. This destroyed much of the park. Luckily, only nine of Ralph Helfer's 1,500 animals were lost.
The land where the first Africa U.S.A. was located is now being restored. It will soon be open to the public again.
Marine World/Africa U.S.A. in Redwood Shores
The Marine World/Africa U.S.A. park covered about 66 acres (27 hectares) of land. This land was once part of the San Francisco Bay. It was built in the Redwood Shores area of Redwood City.
The land was originally marshy and then used for making salt. It was filled in and leveled between 1964 and 1965 to prepare for the park. Construction of Marine World took place from 1966 to 1968.
Exciting Shows and Attractions
Marine World opened its doors in July 1968. The park was owned by the American Broadcasting Company. At first, it focused on sea creatures and marine shows.
- Shows featured amazing animals like orcas (killer whales) and seals.
- There was even a Waterski and Boat show with a water-skiing elephant named Judy!
In 1972, Marine World faced financial trouble. Ralph Helfer and Resort's International bought the park. They added more land animals and built a "jungle theater." This is when the park was renamed Marine World/Africa U.S.A.
Meet Mardji the Elephant
One of the park's most famous animals was Mardji, a trained Asian elephant. Mardji was a real movie star!
- She played the Banthas (large, furry creatures) in the original Star Wars movie.
- Her movements were also filmed to help animators create the giant AT-AT walkers in The Empire Strikes Back.
Visitors could even see Mardji's original Bantha costume on display at her home in the park. Mardji passed away in 1995 at the park's new location in Vallejo.
The park moved to Vallejo, California in 1986. It eventually became Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. The old Redwood Shores location is now home to the world headquarters of Oracle Corporation.
Images for kids
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A ticket from 1984 for Marine World Africa USA.
