Seaworld's Blue World Project

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SeaWorld has been in the spotlight for several years now. Whether it is negative or positive publicity, someone is talking about SeaWorld; from the new animal births at their facility, killer whales attacking their trainer and the sudden unexplainable deaths of many of their animals. In 2013 the documentary “Blackfish” explained how SeaWorld’s animals and staff are really treated. Since the release of Blackfish, SeaWorld’s image and attendance has gone down the drain. SeaWorld San Diego’s attendance is down 12% and SeaWorld Orlando is down 8% (Weisberg, 2015). People want to see change; some have even suggested SeaWorld closing for good and releasing all the animals back into the wild. However, preparing the animals to be released is costly …show more content…

When and if Blue World Project begins, it will start at SeaWorld San Diego and then possibly Orlando and San Antonio. SeaWorld should create life-like habitats for all parks and all animals. Build each one to the animal’s necessities. For example, every year beluga whales molt, they lose the top layer of skin, they then scrape their bodies on the sand to rub it off (Ipatenco, n.d.). How is this process allowed or encouraged at SeaWorld when they are kept in a concrete pool? Each animal enclosure needs to be updated to meet the specific necessities of each animal. One risk posed by the current habitat for killer whales, is how long these animals spend at the surface in captivity. The whales can become sun burned and two killer whales have died from being bitten by a mosquito (Lewis, 2013). This is unheard of in the wild because the killer whales are able to swim away from pests such as mosquitos. By having larger and deeper habitats, killer whales could swim away or dive deep to …show more content…

SeaWorld already carries out Rescue, Rehabilitate and Release missions. In April of 2015, 22 rehabilitated sea lions were released back into the wild by SeaWorld (City News Service, 2015). There are hundreds of cases just like this that happen at SeaWorld parks that very few people hear about. Most people do not know that SeaWorld has Rescue teams and centers. SeaWorld should focus all media and park coverage on Rescue, Rehabilitate and Release (R.R.R.). Document and broadcast each step of the R.R.R. process. Put webcams in all animal habitats. SeaWorld can also set up donations for R.R.R. animal costs or allow people to adopt the animals. When people log on to see these animals on the webcam they can have the option to donate to the animal’s care or release. Guests can log on and track the progress of a rescued animal at any time. This will allow guests to form a bond with these animals and will in turn make them feel involved with the Rescue, Rehabilitate and Release process. Not only will the guests continue to visit the permanent residents, but now guests will be inclined to visit the rehabilitated animals before the animals are released. To help keep the focus on Research, Rescue, Rehabilitate and Release for many years to come, SeaWorld can teach the next generation. Allow teens and college students to attend summer camps hosted by