For over fifty years SeaWorld has both educated and entertained guests with it’s marine life and attractions throughout it’s parks. However, the entertainment value behind SeaWorld’s theme parks is merely a side effect of their true purpose of providing the care and conservation of endangered marine wildlife. They provide medical care and a safe comfortable place in which injured animals can be rehabilitated with the hope that most will eventually be released back into their natural habitat. SeaWorld also collaborates with other organizations to conduct rescue missions and further research on many species considered to be threatened or endangered.
One lucky loggerhead turtle that currently resides at the San Diego SeaWorld park was recently awarded a new lease on life thanks to the collaborative efforts of one private citizen, SeaWorld and several other conservation organizations. The turtle was found immobile and unable to eat due to dangerously cold temperatures. Many sea turtles who are rescued are badly injured or found cold-stunned from frigid waters, but thanks to the medical attention and rehabilitative efforts of the staff at SeaWorld, they are often able to return to a more native environment. Those who never fully recover enough to survive on their own are cared for at one of /seaWorld’s parks or another suitable sanctuary. In January of 2010, SeaWorld conducted Its largest mission to save cold-stunned turtles. About 300 turtles were rescued and after proper rehabilitation over 250 were released back into the sea.
To date, SeaWorld has rehabilitated over 38,000 marine animals including five manatees who were recently released after receiving special care at SeaWorld Orlando. The company also invests many of it’s resources into the protection and preservation of the environment and cleaner ocean water. SeaWorld ultimately aims to pass on their passion for the protection of marine life and our planet through their interactive theme parks throughout the nation.