How Zoos Help Wild Animals

Recently, SeaWorld Orlando kicked off their annual “Wild Days” celebration where guests are able to participate in more conservation focused activities.

Wild Days’ opening weekend focused on penguins. Winter months are a great time to think about penguins and their harsh and cold habitat. Guests at SeaWorld learned that all 18 species of penguin’s habitats are facing very real threats.

The first Wild Days Weekend at SeaWorld Orlando was hosted by SeaWorld’s Animal Ambassador Julie Scardina. Scardina is also a board member of the SeaWorld-Busch Gardens Conservation Fund and has appeared on a variety of TV shows like The Tonight Show, The Today Show and the Macy’s Holiday Parade.

During her talk, Scardina told the crowd about trained zoological professionals from around the world who were able to save 20,000 penguins recently in South Africa following an oil spill. She reported that over 700 of the penguins saved were chicks and now they’ve grown and are having chicks of their own.

All of this would not be possible if it weren’t for the professionals at accredited zoological facilities like SeaWorld and other AZA parks.

The Wild Day events being held at SeaWorld Orlando, San Antonio and San Diego are great reminders that zoos and aquariums are fun places to bring your families AND your visit can have global impact!