In recent years the debate over animal cruelty at SeaWorld has greatly increased. A lot of this has got to do with the release of the controversial documentary Blackfish. Many experts claim in this documentary that the treatment of animals, such as the Orcas and Dolphins, at the park is very bad. Since the release of the documentary, many discussions and debates have been had online and in the mainstream media surrounding the treatment of animals in the parks. Organisations like PETA claim that the animals at SeaWorld are enslaved in tiny concrete tanks.
To counteract the negative impact of Blackfish, SeaWorld have produced many adverts detailing the work the park does in animal rescue and conservation. SeaWorld have also stopped the breeding of Orcas in captivity and trainers no longer go in the water with these animals. They have also added some very good new attractions to the parks in recent years. At the Orlando park a brand new hyper coaster, Mako, opened in 2016.
Despite SeaWorlds best efforts, attendance in their parks has continued to decrease. SeaWorld are still trying to bring guests back into their parks. In Orlando, Infinity falls, a brand new raft ride will open later this year. However, it currently feels that SeaWorld are fighting a losing battle. At the moment, anything SeaWorld adds to their parks seems to have no impact on increasing attendance or profits. If this trend continues then the future of the SeaWorld parks remains very uncertain. So, with all this negativity surrounding the parks what could they do to increase attendance.
Continue to show the good work the park does in rescue and conservation
Although the treatment of animals in the parks has come under much scrutiny, it’s hard to deny that SeaWorld doesn’t do a lot of good work when it comes to the rescue and rehabilitation of marine animals. Saving these animals obviously requires a lot of money. One way SeaWorld gets this money is through the parks. Over the last 50 years SeaWorld have saved over 30000 animals. This is definitely a positive part of the company.
Stop animal shows
One of the big things that turns people away from going to SeaWorld is that they still have shows in which animals perform tricks for food. Many people think that these large and intelligent marine animals should not be made to do tricks in front of a crowd of people. A large number of the population does not like the use of animals in circus shows. The question must be asked then, what is the difference between circuses and SeaWorld using animals in shows. A growing number of people are now recognising that there is probably very little difference. I’m sure if SeaWorld stopped using animals in shows that lots of people would be more willing to go back to the parks.
Add more focus to the rides
With all the controversy surrounding keeping animals in captivity, SeaWorld could put more focus on there rides and attractions. This would help deflect attention from the animals. All three of the SeaWorld parks have many good attractions. For example, the park in Orlando probably has the best set of rollercoasters out of all the parks in Orlando. Over the last few years, the company have invested heavily into new rides at all three of their parks. This could be an indication that SeaWorld are looking to change from a marine life park into a more traditional theme park.
Remove all animals
The biggest thing SeaWorld could do to stop all the negative press surrounding the parks is remove all animals from the parks. Even if SeaWorld was just to remove the Orcas from the park then I’m sure they would get some positive coverage in the media.
One problem with this solution is that many of the animals at the park would not be able to survive in the wild. This is due to several different reasons. One reason is that some of the animals in the park are there because they got injured in the wild. If these animals were put back in the wild then they would not last very long. Another problem with this solution is that many of the animals at the park were born in captivity. Animals born in captivity often struggle to survive when they are released from captivity.
The Future of SeaWorld
A new SeaWorld Park is set to open in Abu Dhabi. This will be the first SeaWorld park outside of America. It will also be the first SeaWorld park to not have Orcas. This park is being built by the Miral company. This company will pay for the complete construction of the park. They will also pay SeaWorld for the use of the SeaWorld license and brand.
Another point to consider when looking at the future of SeaWorld is that a Chinese investment group recently bought 21% of the company. Apparently, this group have plans to build a park in China. In China, marine parks still remain popular. Currently, the Chinese public seem to be less concerned by the welfare of captive animals at marine parks. The construction of a new park in China could, financially, be a way out for SeaWorld.
Looking at the financial figures released by other marine parks in China, a SeaWorld park would most likely be very successful. The company could move a lot of their animals to China from their US parks. This would not be a great solution for the animals but could be a good financial solution for SeaWorld. Personally, I hope that a better solution, with the animals best interests at heart is found.
One proposed solution is that large sanctuaries for Orcas and other captive animals are built in the ocean. These areas would be safe places for injured animals and animals that have never lived in the wild. These sanctuaries would offer a much more natural habitat for these amazing creatures to live.
My hope for the future of SeaWorld
My hope for the future is that the company can find better places for some of their larger marine animals to live. Hopefully, they can make changes to their business model so that they can run successful theme parks which don’t keep large marine animals captive or make animals perform in shows. I also hope that SeaWorld continue to use money made in the parks to help rescue and rehabilitate animals in need.
