Preserve Bubbles the Whale!

Preserve Our Whale (POW!) is a grassroots effort to incorporate Marineland’s Bubbles the Whale sculpture into the Welcome monument at the Point Vicente Interpretive Center.

Our goal

To preserve Southern California's unique history as a source of inspiration and education for the community. Restoration of Bubbles acts as a tangible link to the past for current and future generations. 

Protecting and preserving Bubbles should be viewed as a symbol of our need to protect and preserve whales throughout the world. The amenity design will position Bubbles in a natural, horizontal breaching position;  and we are in solidarity with those who reject the notion of whales for entertainment or performance.

Budget

The costs break down in three phases. Our immediate goal is for restoration costs estimated at $40,000.

1. Protection, repair and restoration of Bubbles statue
2. Design, engineering, and construction of the amenity at the PVIC 
3. Ongoing maintenance, landscaping  

Our goal will be met by a combination of sources. In addition to your generous support, we are seeking foundation grants, and have received letters of support from the Wyland Foundation, Los Angeles Conservancy, and California Preservation Foundation. As this was unanimously approved by the City Council August 3rd, we will be working with Council and Staff on making this project a reality.

History

Opening on August 28, 1954, Marineland was the first oceanarium located on the west coast, the second one built in the United States. It was a center of oceanic research and marine biology. It created awareness and respect for our oceans and the incredibly intelligent life they inhabit.

Marineland’s final day of operation was February 11, 1987. What remains is the iconic 28’ statue of Bubbles the Whale, which once stood at the entry of Marineland.

Bubbles condition is worsening each year. Time is running out to preserve this amazing artifact of Southern California history.

Performance vs Protection

We recognize and fully embrace the evolution of attitudes regarding “performing whales”. Placement at the Interpretive Center, a premiere whale watch site of the Pacific gray whale and celebration of coastal habitats is the ideal location for the final chapter in the life of Bubbles.

This will be an opportunity to educate visitors on this new day of appreciation for and protection of whales in our shared planet.

For those who prefer alternatives to GoFundMe crowdfunding, you may support via the City of Rancho Palos Verdes Portal, or by mail.

City of Rancho Palos Verdes Statement:
This fundraising campaign was organized by community members in coordination with the City of Rancho Palos Verdes. Funds raised by this campaign will be donated to the Recreation and Parks Department to be used for the Bubbles statue restoration project.

City of Rancho Palos Verdes Payment Portal:

Those who wish to support the project with a monetary donation may also donate funds directly to the City at the City's online Payment Portal.

https://dpm.bankofthewest.com/ebpp/RPVCA/Login/Index

When submitting your payment, specify "Bubbles Statue Restoration Project" in the Reference/Record/Invoice Number field.

By Mail:

City of Rancho Palos Verdes Finance Department
30940 Hawthorne Boulevard
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275

Checks made payable to the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, with "Bubbles Statue Restoration" in the memo line.

Whichever way you choose, thank you for your support!