Dolphin Discovery Centre streaming aquariums and dolphin interactions live

The Bunbury Dolphin Discovery Centre is bringing the marvels of the underwater world to people’s fingertips during the coronavirus crisis — officially launching live streaming this week.

Having had to close during the pandemic, people will now be able to experience the wildlife from home, with feedings, aquariums and dolphin interactions all being streamed to Facebook, YouTube and Instagram seven days a week.

Conservation manager Jan Tierney said she was excited to be able to bring the marine world to people while the centre was closed and hoped it would bring joy during a stressful time, while engaging them with the natural world.

“If we can take our exhibits out to the public, engage the kids and give them something to do at home it will be a great outcome,” Ms Tierney said.

It will add to their schooling experience, get people engaged and appreciating the marine environment even though they can’t come through in person.

Interactive developer Mike Dunn — who set up the system — said they were also looking to develop educational content for school students. This included the interactive fish wall where kids colour in animals, email them through which are then streamed on the wall.

Viewers will also enjoy behind the scenes footage of staff diving while cleaning tanks, upgrading aquariums and checking things over in the control room.

Chief executive David Kerr said live streaming had always been part of the centre’s plan, but as the pandemic had “paused” the main operation of the facility, they were able to get it running sooner.

We wanted to use this unfortunate situation that we’ve found ourselves in the most positive way that we could.

He said once they could reopen, they would use the technology to add to the overall experience.