SeaWorld

SeaWorld: Theme Parks and Marine Animal Rescue

SeaWorld is a theme park company that combines attractions, up-close animal experiences, and roller coasters with a marine wildlife rescue and rehabilitation program. The company presents itself as one of the largest marine animal rescue organizations in the world and centers its activity around a conservation mission that, according to its own account, guides both animal care and the visitor experience.

Parks and Locations

The company operates theme parks in Orlando (Florida), San Diego (California), and San Antonio (Texas), as well as a location in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates). The site also mentions other parks in the group, such as Busch Gardens, Sesame Place, Discovery Cove, Aquatica, Adventure Island, and Water Country USA, which expand the offering beyond the SeaWorld brand.

Animal Care and Professional Team

Animal care is handled by a team of hundreds of professionals, including animal behavior specialists, aquarists, zoologists, veterinarians, and nutritionists. The company notes that nearly 60 years of experience with a wide diversity of species inform its mission, which includes rescue, rehabilitation, and return to the wild.

Accreditations and Standards

Marine habitats and animal practices are independently reviewed, audited, and certified by zoological and animal welfare organizations. SeaWorld states that its facilities not only meet but exceed the highest standards in animal care. According to AZA, fewer than 10% of the approximately 2,800 USDA-licensed animal exhibitors in the United States have met their standards, and the company indicates that it is part of that group.

Marine Animal Rescue

The animal care team, veterinarians, and rescue experts are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, to respond to rescue calls. The company counts more than 43,000 rescues and remains committed to protecting animals and their habitats.

Educational Resources and App

SeaWorld offers a learning library with free educational activities, videos, coloring pages, and other materials about species such as sharks, whales, pinnipeds, penguins, polar bears, endangered species, primates, birds of prey, cheetahs, elephants, and wolves. It also has a free app to navigate the park, check ride wait times, and purchase add-on experiences.