SeaWorld first opened its gates in 1964 and since then rescue teams have been on the frontlines rescuing and treating ill, injured, abandoned, and orphaned animals around the world. And recently, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment announced that SeaWorld Rescue has helped over 35,000 marine and terrestrial animals.
However, as SeaWorld does their part to try and save these animals, trends in data show that the impact of human activity is taking a huge toll on oceans and the animals that reside in them. To raise awareness about these trends and the dangers of plastic pollution and other human impacts, SeaWorld launched a new SeaWorld Rescue channel on Instagram to share rescue, rehabilitation, and release stories with the public.
SeaWorld Orlando’s senior leader of zoological operations said they hope to get to a place where they conduct fewer rescue operations because that would mean fewer animals in danger.
In addition to their SeaWorld Rescue awareness efforts, SeaWorld’s team is working around the globe to help the one million species who are on the verge of extinction through research, developing new tools that help repopulate threatened species, and practicing conservation medicine.
One of their most recent research studies aided in the conservation of threatened southern resident killer whales to the Pacific Northwest.
The animals in SeaWorld’s care are not only being treated but are providing a trove of research and information to SeaWorld’s team to help the future of all animals.