Ellie, the country’s oldest captive Australian sea lion, and her dolphin neighbours may be forced from their home on the New South Wales (NSW) coast amid financial difficulties.
The Dolphin Marine Conservation Park in Coffs Harbour—midway between Sydney and Brisbane—entered voluntary administration this week, citing a lack of funding.
It is one of only two sea-life centres in the country that take in and treat sick and injured dolphins and is home to the largest population of endangered Australian sea lions in the world, including 29-year-old Ellie.
The park had been getting by on donations alone after being knocked back for grants by all levels of government, managing director Terry Goodall said….