SeaWorld is one of the largest marine animal rescue organizations in the world. The expertise and experience gained from decades of studying and caring for animals in our parks is what informs this important work. This quarter we helped other Florida rescue and conservation organizations impacted by Hurricane Ian with emergency grants and worked with partners to free a humpback whale entangled in fishing line and gear off the California coast. These stories and more bring to life our commitment to protecting marine animals and their habitats. A portion of park proceeds go toward funding animal rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation.
SeaWorld Conservation Fund Makes 10 Emergency Grants
In response to Hurricane Ian, the SeaWorld Conservation Fund made emergency grants to 10 Florida zoological and wildlife rescue organizations. The grants will help facility recovery efforts and directly benefit various animal species. Since 2003, the Fund has helped 1,391 organizations across seven continents.
Critically Endangered Great Hammerhead Shark Arrives at SeaWorld
SeaWorld Orlando introduced a critically endangered great hammerhead shark ‘Dutch’ to its 700,000-gallon aquarium. Transferred from Georgia Aquarium, he’s the first and only of its kind at SeaWorld. With an estimated population decline of 80%, preserving this species in human care is vital to their conservation.
Five-year Partnership with the Guy Harvey Foundation Focuses on Ocean Health
Since 2018, Guy Harvey and SeaWorld have partnered on ocean health and shark conservation. The collaboration raises public awareness through education programs and supports science and research projects that together help better protect these critical predators and their ocean habitats.
Patti Labelle and AARP Wish of a Lifetime Includes Special SeaWorld Experience
A retired teacher and caregiver was honored with a special day at SeaWorld as part of our support for Lifetime and their partnership with Patti Labelle and Wish of a Lifetime from AARP. The partnership celebrates older adults for their accomplishments and sacrifices.
Rescuers Save Humpback Whale Found Tangled in a 'Knotted Line and 5 Buoys' in California
The SeaWorld San Diego rescue team joined NOAA and other partners to assist with the rescue of a humpback whale entangled in fishing gear off the coast of California. The group was able to safely relocate the entangled whale to calmer waters where they evaluated the whale and cut the line to free the animal.
Sea the World with Cindy Simmons Ep.12: One Incredible Manatee Mom’s Fight to Survive
A manatee and her nursing calf were brought to SeaWorld Orlando after a horrific boat strike left mom with catastrophic injuries. This podcast shares their remarkable story and the extraordinary measures taken by the rehabilitation team to save her life, including performing an unprecedented six surgeries.
“Both of our organizations are committed to providing exceptional standards of animal care and this great hammerhead is in great hands with the team at SeaWorld. We have cared for hammerheads throughout our 17 years, and we’re excited to spread awareness and respect for this beautiful shark species with SeaWorld’s visitors.”
“Like many groups in the area, our habitats sustained damage from the wind and rain, and this grant [from the SeaWorld Conservation Fund] is incredibly helpful for our animals and our teams. It will help provide urgent habitat and exhibit repair, tree removal, fencing replacement and erosion repair important to keep our animals healthy and safe.”
Here is What Scientists are Doing to Save Florida's Coral Reef Before it's Too Late
