The State Oceanarium began its existence in the 1960s. Then serious changes in the Navy began. In the 80’s the oceanarium was set goals regarding the study of marine animals (dolphins and sea lions) in order to improve the methods of electronic warfare control and search, development, design and creation of biotechnical systems for search, rescue, mine countermeasure, anti-diversion purposes. Practical results were obtained, which were introduced into the practice of shipbuilding, aircraft construction, creation of hydroacoustic stations, combat and daily activities of the Navy.
The State Oceanarium in Cossack Bay is the largest research center of underwater biotechnical systems in Ukraine. Areas of activity of the oceanarium:
— marine biotechnical systems;
— underwater engineering works;
— hydrobionics issues;
— conservation and restoration of rare and endangered species of plants and animals;
— general and applied ecology.
The State Oceanarium offers:
1. health-improving and therapeutic programs with the use of Black Sea dolphin-aphalines in the conditions of a winter pool with heated sea water and air. Health-improving swimming is a complex effect on the body. It consists of ultrasonic waves emitted by a dolphin, motor activity, and staying in sea water with certain healing properties.
Time of health swimming sessions: daily from 14:00 to 16:00; Sunday — day off.
2. Dolphin therapy sessions. Dolphin therapy is successfully used in rehabilitation of disabled children, children with autism, children with cerebral palsy. The program of psychological correction is selected individually for each patient. Accommodation and meals on the territory of the center are possible.
Time of dolphin therapy sessions: from the 1st to the 11th, from the 15th to the 26th day of each month (from 5 to 10 sessions per course).
3. Swimming with dolphins for expectant moms. Experienced specialists (trainers and psychologist) will help to acquire relaxation skills, which will prepare the future mom for the birth of the child.
Sessions time: daily from 14:00 to 16:00; Sunday — day off.
4. Programs of psychological correction, which are selected individually for each client. The psychologist working in parallel with the dolphin, during the sessions uses methods of behavioral therapy, elements of game, body-oriented therapy and art therapy, stimulates manifestations of adaptive behavior in the patient, reinforces and encourages constructive models of behavior. Playing with a dolphin is a stimulus for the development of psychomotor sphere and cognitive processes. Thanks to dolphins, patients’ willpower is mobilized, motivation increases and the desire to achieve positive results is strengthened.
Time of psychological correction sessions: daily from 14:00 to 16:00; Sunday is a day off.