Some 40 years after that initial success story, Cofresi is once again grabbing the limelight again showcasing nature enhanced by man. Ocean World, with its formal opening scheduled for April, offers a unique hands-on zoo and marine park experience.

This US$35-million mega-park shows off the region's natural beauty making it a sight to behold. The feat of engineering and state-of-the-art facilities, however, is what is already drawing visitors from all around the world. As it seeks to entertain, Ocean World also instills in each visitor a never-to-be-forgotten respect and love for the exotic creatures that live in the wild.

While the spectacular scenery creates the initial lasting impression, the animals are undoubtedly the stars at Ocean World. Get a real kiss from a dolphin or get carried through the waters during the dolphin swim. You may embrace a dolphin or just pet one of these wise creatures during the dolphin encounter. Both activities take place in the expansive scenario of the world's largest custom-made dolphin lagoon, with a sophisticated water purification system that ensures the well-being of the animals and their guests.

Pet a sea lion, get splashed by one or hear them sing when participating in the sea lion encounters. Feed a real shark as it swims up to you in the world's first shark interaction pool.

Catch a glimpse of the marvels of the underwater world in the park's aquarium, an artificial snorkeling reef for swimming with thousands of colorful tropical fish and dozens of lobsters hidden among the "rocks."

Special care is taken to guarantee animal welfare and positive reinforcement methods are used in their training. The animals appear to have bonded with their trainers. Ocean World Park opens at 10 am and closes at 6:30 pm so as to guarantee private time and rest for its precious stars.