SeaWorld talks animal care, new attractions

Animal health and coming attractions at SeaWorld’s parks were up for discussion this week, during a recent presentation by park representatives in Toronto.

Dr. Chris Dold, SeaWorld’s head veterinarian, spoke to guests about the parks’ animals, addressing questions and concerns raised in recent years over animal welfare at the parks. Describing SeaWorld as a “zoological organization which happens to have rides,” as opposed to “a theme park with animals,” Dold detailed his work leading a team of veterinarians looking after the parks’ whales, dolphins and other aquatic life, from daily care to research and breeding programs.

He also detailed an increased focus on conservation efforts, including programs where SeaWorld has worked alongside organizations such as the U.S. National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (an organization to which SeaWorld recently donated $10 million toward killer whale conservation efforts).

Earlier this week, SeaWorld announced that it would be changing the killer whale show at its main San Diego park by 2017, shifting focus from the show’s entertainment aspects to education by teaching guests about the life cycle of orcas and conservation efforts in the wild. According to Suzanne Pelisson Beasley, SeaWorld’s senior manager - national publicity, the new killer whale program will be similar to changes made to the San Diego park’s dolphin experience, which took place earlier this summer, she said.

Beasley told PAX that the change in the killer whale program, which is still in development and currently only planned for the San Diego park, was a direct response to conservation-minded guests in California.

“The evolution of the show in San Diego is something we’re doing in response to what we’re hearing from our guests, especially with the California market and guests who come to SeaWorld San Diego,” she explained. “They are guests that are really plugged into the conservation and education message; they want to have a good time but they also want to learn something, where their kids can be engaged and learn something.

On the Atlantic coast, SeaWorld Orlando will see a number of new features to be introduced over the coming years, said Randy Anger, SeaWorld’s director – sales and marketing, Canada.

Coming next summer to SeaWorld Orlando is a two-acre area dedicated to sharks, featuring the Shark Encounter (an 85-foot long underwater tunnel providing guest with close-up views of the animals) and the Mako, a new 200-foot tall ‘hypercoaster’ which propels guests at more than 70 mph over a mile of track.

Slated for the future is the SeaWorld Rescue Ride, which will be based on the park’s Sea Rescue television show and bring guests into the world of animal rescue and rehabilitation; further details on the attraction will be released in the near future, Anger said.

SeaWorld Orlando continues to draw the highest number of Canadian guests, he added, and Canadians can currently take advantage of the At Par pricing offer for both SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens.

PHOTO: Of SeaWorld: Suzanne Pelisson Beasley, senior manager - national publicity; Dr. Chris Dold, head veterinarian; Randy Anger, director – sales and marketing, Canada.