SeaWorld is Changing
The new vision for SeaWorld reflects changes in society and SeaWorld’s evolution with those changes, including ending killer whale breeding, new inspiring natural orca encounters, and new partnerships to protect oceans and marine animals.
“While these decisions represent a shift in our business, they do not change our core values and purpose: to protect animals in the wild and inspire our guests to join us in this critical mission.”
What does this mean?
The Last Generation of Killer Whales:
“We’ve helped make orcas among the most beloved marine mammals on the planet. 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 has not collected an orca from the wild in almost 40 years, and the vast majority of our orcas were born under human care. These orcas have never lived in the wild and could not survive in oceans that include environmental concerns such as pollution and other man-made threats.
The current population of orcas at SeaWorld will live out their lives at the company’s park habitats, where they will continue to receive the highest-quality care based on the latest advances in marine veterinary medicine, science and zoological best practices.
Natural Encounters rather than Theatrical Shows:
SeaWorld will begin phasing out the theatrical shows as they begin redesigning the existing show pools and viewing areas into a more naturalistic setting. This exciting transformation will start in the San Diego park next year, followed by San Antonio and then Orlando in 2019.
Everything will reflect the natural world and will focus on the research, education, care and respect that align with the mission to advance the well-being and conservation of these beautiful creatures.
Your Side:
We would like to have opinions from both sides weigh in on the issue and will post one opinion from both sides here. Comment below or over on our Facebook page your take on these changes.