Dolphin Quest is throwing open its doors on Sunday for free admission to a 30th birthday party.

However, behind the fun is a message to hammer home that the dolphins are well treated and not exploited.

The centre, within the grounds of National Museum of Bermuda, will provide a range of activities, including a silent auction and a dolphin demonstration plus food vendors.

As well as celebrating three decades in Bermuda, the organisers want to underline that the days of performing dolphins being kept in cramped conditions are over.

Sundee Faulkner, the sales and outreach manager, has worked at the venue for 11 years and is keen for any detractors to come and visit and see for themselves.

She said: “People can address any of these concerns.

“I think it’s important for people to understand that places like the aquarium and ourselves are so important and that a lot of these animals outlive ourselves so we have to be good stewards.

“We provide them with good healthcare and food and there’s trained professionals to look after them and who can care for them.

“This place was founded by veterinarians who wanted to establish a better place than what we saw in the 1970s. But that was of its time.

“We are such a small community in Bermuda that we are encouraging everyone to come and experience it for yourself and really learn about us.”

Janessa Crockwell, manager of marine animals, who celebrates 12 years with Dolphin Quest next week, said: “Healthcare is one of our primary concerns. Their physical welfare is looked after with activities for them and also their mental welfare is important to us.

“I love it here and since I was nine years old I have wanted to work with dolphins, so it is a dream come true for me.

“I am from Canada, originally in the Midwest, and did my degree in marine biology in Vancouver.”

The Dolphin Quest anniversary and community appreciation day runs from 10am to 4pm.

General manager Christine Mihelcic wants as many people as possible to come through the gates.

She said: “I would be delighted if we have hundreds come visit us.

“We have really benefited from our connections with the local community in Bermuda who have supported us.

“I have been here 26 years and my background is hotels and hospitality in Bermuda. I am the No 1 person who wants to share my island with everyone.

“I came to see this place [Dolphin Quest] with my young daughter and I loved what they did here with the schools and education. That was the reason why I joined.

“The people who work here are like family, to be honest. We have had many people who have come through here to work, who have gone on to be vets, a scientist and teachers who work in our local schools.”

Dolphin Quest has ten dolphins, eight of which were born at the venue. The oldest dolphin is Cirrus, who is now 52.

Visitors will have the chance to meet him and others on Sunday.

The marine sanctuary welcomes guests to meet the bottlenose dolphin family. Dolphin Quest is celebrated for its educational initiatives, endorsement of scientific studies and active involvement in hands-on conservation advocacy.

These community endeavours are supported through the participation of guests in dolphin interactive experiences.

It provides a variety of dolphin encounters, which allow guests the opportunity to meet, touch and play with dolphins in a safe and comfortable environment for both guests and dolphins.

The sheltered ocean lagoon setting enables diverse interactive experiences with dolphins from docks, submerged platforms and deeper-water swimming areas.

Each encounter is unique based upon the guests, marine mammal specialists and dolphins themselves — with a variety of opportunities to select from based upon guest age, dolphin time and whether people prefer to join a small, shared group or book an exclusive experience.