SAN DIEGO – SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. announced today that it plans to build new, first-of-its-kind killer whale environments and that it will fund new programs to protect ocean health and killer whales in the wild.
The new projects will build on SeaWorld’s legacy of providing state-of-the-art, innovative, homes for its animals, and will offer park guests unique and inspiring killer whale encounters for generations to come.
As part of its vision for the future, the company also pledged $10 million in matching funds for killer whale research and is embarking on a multi-million dollar partnership focused on ocean health, the leading concern for all killer whales and marine mammals.
“For 50 years, SeaWorld has transformed how the world views marine life. The unprecedented access to marine mammals that our parks provide has increased our knowledge of the ocean and inspired generations,” said Jim Atchison, Chief Executive Officer and President of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.
“Our new killer whale homes and research initiatives have just as bold a vision: to advance global understanding of these animals, to educate, and to inspire conservation efforts to protect killer whales in the wild.”
Transformational New Environments
The first of the new environments will be built at SeaWorld San Diego where the killer whale environment is planned to have a total water volume of 10 million gallons, nearly double that of the existing facility.
With a planned maximum depth of 50 feet, surface area of nearly 1.5 acres and spanning more than 350 feet in length, the new environment will also have views exceeding 40 feet in height, providing guests with the world’s largest underwater viewing experience of killer whales.
Named the Blue World Project because of its size and scope, the new environment will allow for increased engagement with SeaWorld experts through new enriching experiences and other interactive programs.
The environment will enhance the educational experience for guests, foster deeper knowledge of killer whales and their ocean environment and inspire them to celebrate and conserve the natural world.
“Through up-close and personal encounters, the new environment will transform how visitors experience killer whales,” said Atchison. “Our guests will be able to walk alongside the whales as if they were at the shore, watch them interact at the depths found in the ocean, or a birds-eye view from above.”
Expanding on SeaWorld’s legacy of leading-edge animal environment design, the enlarged environment will provide killer whales with even more dynamic opportunities. It will support the whales’ broad range of behaviors and provide choices that can challenge the whales both physically and mentally. Among other things, it is planned to include a “fast water current” that allows whales to swim against moving water, thus functionally increasing speed and diversity.
Innovative features focused on husbandry and animal care will offer SeaWorld’s animal health professionals and independent scientists unique access to the whales that can lead to a better understanding and care of the animals both in the parks and in the wild.
The San Diego environment is expected to open to the public in 2018 with new killer whale homes to follow at SeaWorld Orlando and SeaWorld San Antonio.
Killer Whale Research
As part of the Blue World Project, SeaWorld has committed $10 million in matching funds focused on threats to killer whales in the wild, especially those identified by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration related to the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whale.
That includes new projects already funded this year: one that will help to understand the hearing ranges of killer whales and the other that will provide insight into nutritional status and reproduction of the Southern Resident Killer Whale. The matching funds will be in addition to killer whale research conducted by SeaWorld’s scientists, which includes nearly 50 studies to date.
Recognizing that ocean health is a leading concern for killer whales and all marine mammals in the wild, the company also announced it will be embarking on a major multi-million dollar partnership focused on protecting the ocean. More details of the partnership will be announced in the coming weeks.
Advisory Panel
SeaWorld will also engage an Independent Advisory Panel to bring new perspectives and ideas to the project. The panel will focus on the creation of an environment that maximizes the health and wellbeing of the animals. Given the particular expertise of current panelists and those expected to join, the panel will further advise on integrated research projects that can be conducted within the new environment and foster partnerships within the science and academic communities working in the wild.
Current Advisory Panel members include:
Dr. Paul Boyle, Senior Vice President for Conservation and Education, Association of Zoos & Aquariums
Dr. Heidi Harley, Professor of Psychology, New College of Florida
Dr. Dorian Houser, Director of Conservation and Biological Research, National Marine Mammal Foundation
Dr. Linda Lowenstein, Professor Emeritus Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Shawn Noren, Associate Research Scientist, Institute of Marine Science, University of California Santa Cruz
Mr. Tom Otten, Chief Executive Officer, Reef Experience
Dr. James F. Peddie, DVM, Distinguished Faculty Chair, Exotic Animal Training and Management Program, Moorpark College
Dr. Paul Ponganis, Research Physiologist, Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Dr. Kwane Stewart, Chief Veterinary Officer and National Director, Film and Television Unit, American Humane Association
Dr. Pam Yochem, Senior Research Scientist and Executive Vice President, Research,
Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute
“I have long supported SeaWorld not only for the economic benefit they bring to San Diego’s regional economy but for the educational and entertainment opportunities they provide to millions of visitors,” said California Assembly Speaker Toni G. Atkins. “Their year-round outreach to local schools and youth groups has generated a greater appreciation for protecting our ocean and the many species living there. SeaWorld has been a major resource when diseased or disabled sea creatures need to be rescued, rehabilitated and released back into the wild.
“I also have high expectations for SeaWorld in light of today’s announcement that major investments will improve the experience and outcomes for whales both in their parks and in the wild. SeaWorld’s decision to engage with an independent scientific advisory panel is a reassuring sign for the ongoing health and welfare of these amazing creatures. Given the San Diego region’s leadership in the life sciences, I expect orcas and other whale species to directly benefit from the research and advances that come from the academic and scientific partnerships SeaWorld is building to address whale habitat and ocean health.”
“I am pleased by the enhanced opportunities SeaWorld is bringing to scientists, academics and educators,” said California State Senator Marty Block (District 39). “The new and improved habitat for these amazing mammals will help us learn more about marine animals and how to safeguard marine life for future generations. It is a tremendous benefit for all of us including school groups and students who will learn early on, the importance of conservation in their daily lives.”
“I am grateful to SeaWorld for the investment in these new facilities. The changes they’re announcing today will enhance the experience for the animals, workers, and visitors of the park, and help ensure that SeaWorld remains a hallmark attraction in the City of San Diego,” said San Diego Council President Todd Gloria.
“I was really excited to hear about SeaWorld’s big announcement today,” said San Diego Councilmember Lorie Zapf (District 6). “This new killer whale environment sounds exciting for park guests, dynamic for educators, and fascinating for scientists. And, it will add to SeaWorld’s firm reputation as a leader in killer whale care and research. Not only that, but SeaWorld is an icon in the San Diego community and this habitat will further enhance SeaWorld’s and San Diego’s reputation around the country and across the globe. I have previously represented Mission Bay and when my new term begins in December, I will once again represent SeaWorld – I am very proud to do so.”
“Like so many others in science and industry, we are constantly learning more about how we can evolve our knowledge and continue to learn more about these amazing animals and stewardship of those in the wild,” Atchison said. “We look forward to working with these experts to build on these learnings and achieve our vision of increased knowledge of killer whales and global efforts to protect those in the wild.”
For more information on the Blue World Project, please visit www.seaworld.com/blueworld