SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment

'SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is an American theme park and entertainment company headquartered in Orlando, Florida. It operates 12 theme parks across the United States, including its flagship parks, SeaWorld, which are located in Orlando, San Antonio, and San Diego. The company is known for its marine mammal parks, oceanariums, animal theme parks, and rehabilitation centers.

History

The origins of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment trace back to the opening of the first SeaWorld park in San Diego in 1964. Founded by four graduates of the University of California, Los Angeles, the park was initially a marine zoological park on 22 acres of land. Over the years, SeaWorld expanded, opening additional parks in Orlando in 1973 and San Antonio in 1988. In 2009, the company was acquired by the Blackstone Group, which led to the formation of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment.

Parks

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment operates a diverse portfolio of parks, including:

• SeaWorld: Marine mammal parks that feature orca, dolphin, and sea lion shows, as well as rides and exhibits.
• Busch Gardens: Located in Tampa, Florida, and Williamsburg, Virginia, these parks combine exotic animal encounters with thrilling rides and entertainment.
• Aquatica: A chain of water parks adjacent to SeaWorld parks that offer water slides, wave pools, and animal experiences.
• Discovery Cove: An all-inclusive day resort in Orlando where guests can swim with dolphins, snorkel among tropical fish, and encounter exotic birds.
• Sesame Place: A theme park based on the Sesame Street television program, located in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, and San Diego, California, focusing on family-friendly rides and shows.

Conservation Efforts

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is involved in various conservation efforts, including the rescue and rehabilitation of injured, orphaned, or sick marine animals, with the goal of returning them to the wild. The company supports conservation projects worldwide through the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund.

Controversies

The company has faced criticism and controversy, particularly regarding the treatment of orcas in captivity. The 2013 documentary Blackfish led to widespread public scrutiny, impacting attendance and prompting changes in the company's practices, including the end of orca breeding in 2016 and a shift towards more educational and conservation-based programming.

Future Developments

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment continues to evolve, with plans for new attractions, expansions, and partnerships aimed at enhancing guest experiences while promoting conservation and education.