Hey Thrill Seekers,
I think its safe to say that SeaWorld has had a hard few years, however today I believe the company has made positive steps forward.
In a press release today SeaWorld made three big announcements today that signal a new direction for the company. Here are the main points;
Last generation of killer whales
The killer whales in SeaWorld’s care will be the last at SeaWorld. SeaWorld haven’t taken a whale from the wild in nearly 40 years. Now, they’re going a step further and will end all killer whale breeding programs. With the skills and dedication of the entire SeaWorld team, they will protect and care for these whales – here at our parks – for the rest of their lives where guests will continue to view and be inspired by them.
Introducing new, inspiring, natural orca encounters rather than theatrical shows
The new orca encounter takes the killer whale shows in a new direction. Everything will reflect the natural world and will centre on the research, education, care and respect that align with SeaWorlds mission to advance the well-being and conservation of these beautiful creatures. No longer a theatrical show, this live presentation will have the feel of a well-produced and engaging documentary cantered on the orca’s natural behaviours, physical attributes, intelligence, and social structures.
New partnership to protect oceans and marine mammals
SeaWorld are pleased that the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) supports the changes announced today. SeaWorld look forward to actively partnering with them on a variety of initiatives focused on ocean health and the protection of fish and marine mammals, including efforts against the commercial killing of whales, seals and other marine mammals, ending illegal shark finning, and protecting corals reefs and the marine species that inhabit them. HSUS and SeaWorld share a love animals and a mission to protect them. The issues around animal conservation and protection are much bigger than any one organization, and both are much stronger together.
What SeaWorld Are Saying
These announcements show that SeaWorld is listening and we are changing. We are working toward new ways to deliver on our purpose. We want every guest who walks through our doors to be inspired to take action to help protect animals and wild places.
This announcement also reaffirms our promise to be at the forefront in the advancement of the care of marine mammals and to inspire our guests to respect and care for the world’s oceans and the animals that live in them.
Here’s a quote from our CEO Joel Manby that I wanted to share:
“SeaWorld has introduced more than 400 million guests to orcas, and we are proud of our part in contributing to the human understanding of these animals. As society’s understanding of orcas continues to change, SeaWorld is changing with it. By making this the last generation of orcas in our care and reimagining how guests will experience these beautiful animals, we are fulfilling our mission of providing visitors to our parks with experiences that matter.”
SeaWorld are aware that this announcement will raise many questions so they’ve set up a website www.SeaWorldCares.com/Future – with more information and details about these announcements and the new vision for SeaWorld.
If you have further questions please feel free to contact us and we’ll get in touch with SeaWorld on your behalf.
Smiles included…
Jamie
