If you enjoy Florida (USA) theme parks, you must have heard of SeaWorld Orlando with its attractions centered around marine life. The park is part of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, an organization that offers differentiated experiences and inspires visitors to not only protect animals but also discover the wonders of the wild.
No wonder this group is among the top zoological organizations in the world. Animal rescue and rehabilitation projects, species conservation, and numerous research projects. The result of all this?
SEAWORLD: FROM ANIMAL RESCUE TO REDUCING PLASTIC AND WATER USE
1. Reduction of plastic use at all SeaWorld group parks
First, to draw your attention to an alarming fact: Did you know that about eight million tons of plastic end up in the ocean every year? And that’s not all. Since another 150 million tons are already orbiting the planet. But, as of 2018, none of SeaWorld Group’s 12 parks use straws and disposable plastic bags. This attitude is part of the mission to protect animals and their habitats around the world.
2. Bet on renewable energy
The group is investing more and more in renewable energy, as it causes less negative impact on the environment. Aquatica San Diego, for example, one of the great names in SeaWorld parks, uses solar panels, which generate 80% to 90% of the energy used in the complex.
3. Less emission of gases, more recycling
The company has reduced its own greenhouse gas emissions by 9% year over year, as well as increased its waste recycling program by more than 50%. At the same time, several initiatives have already been taken to conserve water. In this sense, rainwater harvesting, and water reuse for cooling buildings.
4. Conservation of Orcas
If you don’t already know this, here’s some fantastic news: SeaWorld has established the Orcas Research and Conservation Program. Today, it is led by the National Fisheries and Wildlife Foundation and aims to develop and contribute research to the conservation of large marine mammals.
5. Rescue and rehabilitation of animals at any time of day
As we anticipated at the beginning of this post, SeaWorld rescue teams have helped more than 40,000 sick, injured, or orphaned animals. In other words, that equates to an average of two animals per day! All teams in the group are on call 24 hours a day. These good people work seven days a week, 365 days a year in partnership with zoos and government and conservation organizations. All to rehabilitate and bring animals back to nature.
The group takes this responsibility so seriously that the company-created SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund has donated more than $19 million to more than 1,200 species conservation projects around the world. This money is used to restore coral reefs, prevent coastal erosion, protect habitats, and clean beaches and oceans.
6. Only animals that cannot return to nature stay in SeaWorld parks
All SeaWorld animals live in safe conditions and are constantly monitored by experts, veterinarians, and other specialists. The number one goal is to meet the needs of each species and provide a peaceful experience for pets.
Habitats designed for them allow them to behave as they do in the wild. Only those that cannot return to the environment remain there. Likewise, new animals are no longer brought to the park; All care goes to the species already living there.
7. Support for the conservation of the pink dolphin
Perhaps you have heard of the pink dolphin, right? Unfortunately, this tradition, which is part of our folklore and found throughout the Amazon basin, has been under threat for years. Because these mammals not only face problems like pollution and habitat degradation but are also hunted.