Featured Image Credit: SeaWorld Cares
You’re not going to believe where SeaWorld is bringing their animal rescue and care expertise next… ABU DHABI!
Thanks to a partnership with Miral, SeaWorld will be opening a new location in the Middle East. The goal is to create a next-generation theme park AND lay the foundation for the UAE’s first marine life research, rescue, rehabilitation and return center… all by 2022!
The new Abu Dhabi location will be the first new SeaWorld without orca whales. However, SeaWorld does plan on integrating up-close animal experiences, mega attractions and a world-class aquarium, bringing the latest technology in visitor engagement and education. Based on SeaWorld’s recently announced round of 2017 stateside upgrades, we highly doubt Abu Dhabi will disappoint.
Officials posted the breaking news to their SeaWorld Cares blog early this morning. You can learn about the groundbreaking news below:
SeaWorld announced their partnership with Miral today along with their plans to develop SeaWorld Abu Dhabi on Yas Island. Over the last 50 years SeaWorld has rescued nearly 30,000 animals and they plan to continue this tradition by including a United Arab Emirates (UAE) first dedicated marine life research, rescue, rehabilitation, and return center with world-class facilities and resources for the care and conservation of local marine life.
The state-of the-art facility is planned to open ahead of the theme park, and will waste no time being a crucial resource to both global scientists looking to learn more about the local marine life AND for local researchers who want to enhance their expertise.
According to the SeaWorld Cares announcement, “The partnership brings together Miral’s expertise in developing Yas Island’s portfolio of destinations with SeaWorld’s 50-plus years of theme park, veterinary medicine, marine science and zoological practice and experience.” This partnership is certainly bringing together two powerhouse resumes… what is it they say about two brains being better than one?
The President and Chief Executive Officer of SeaWorld, Joel Manby, also commented on the exciting news, “We are excited to announce our first international expansion and our partnership with Miral as we design a next generation SeaWorld that engages, educates and inspires, a blueprint brought to life in Abu Dhabi. This new park, combined with a dedicated research, rescue, rehabilitation and return facility focused on marine life care and conservation, continues SeaWorld’s legacy of marine life rescue that spans more than 50 years. This project presents an opportunity for collaboration and greater understanding of how species have adapted to the region’s unique marine environment, and to inspire the next generation of visitors, conservationists and animal care experts.”
Learn how the SeaWorld’s newest location will make waves in Abu Dhabi:
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s new 4-R facility on Yas Island will be the first of it’s kind in the country and will prove to be fundamental resource on more than just the local level. Global researchers and marine conservationists can benefit from the state-of-the-art environment when it comes to understanding the region’s marine life and habitats. On the local front, nationals will be able to use the new SeaWorld Abu Dhabi location as an education hub to increase their expertise in collaboration with local and international environmental organizations and projects.