Games - SeaWorld

	Games - SeaWorld

SeaWorld is a chain of theme parks in the United States, with operations in Orlando, Florida (28.4102, -81.4621), San Diego, California (32.7654, -117.2266), San Antonio, Texas (29.4583, -98.70), and previously Cleveland, Ohio. The parks feature killer whale, sea lion, and dolphin shows and zoological displays featuring various other marine animals. The parks' icon is Shamu the killer whale.

SeaWorld parks also feature a variety of thrill rides, including roller coasters like Kraken at SeaWorld Orlando and Steel Eel and The Great White at SeaWorld San Antonio. Journey to Atlantis, a combination roller coaster and splashdown ride, can be found at both SeaWorld Orlando and SeaWorld San Diego. The parks are owned by Busch Entertainment Corp., the family entertainment division of Anheuser-Busch, which is best known for brewing beer but also owns nine theme parks. In July 2005, SeaWorld Orlando announced plans to add a water park to its complex, which already includes SeaWorld and Discovery Cove; the water park is expected to combine water thrill rides with marine life, with attractions such as clear acrylic tube slides through pools containing Commerson's dolphins. The park is scheduled to open in spring 2007.

One of the biggest attractions is the Shark Encounter, in which guests are carried through a submerged acrylic tube into the sharks' tank. Another famous ride is Wild Arctic, simulating a helicopter ride to the Arctic. After the ride, the guests arrive at a simulated base station, where they can observe polar bears, Pacific walruses, and beluga whales. Another attraction is the Penguin Encounter, showcasing a variety of penguins. In addition, an attraction features endangered Florida manatees. The park has an extensive playground for children, Shamu's Happy Harbor.

SeaWorld has made many contributions to wildlife conservation. SeaWorld scientists, zoologists, trainers and rescue teams participate in research and wildlife preservation. Recently, SeaWorld teams have helped save stranded whales, dolphins, seals, and sea lions and helped raise the awareness of endangered manatees. SeaWorld's commitment to conservation, research and animal rescue was recently formalized with the creation of the non-profit SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund. Sea World is accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA), meaning they have met and exceeded the standards in Education, Conservation and Research.

Orcas

SeaWorld's main attraction is the Orcas (also known as killer whales), several of which are housed in 7-million-gallon habitats that are each known as Shamu Stadium. It is important to note that there is not just one killer whale named Shamu. Shamu was the name of the first killer whale ever to be brought to SeaWorld San Diego in the 1960s. 'Shamu' is now used as a stage name for adult killer whales in performances at SeaWorld parks. The killer whales all have real names. Currently, Sea World houses 21 killer whales in its three parks. Seven whales live in the San Diego park: Corky, Kasatka, Ulises, Orkid, Sumar, Nakai and Kalia. Eight live at SeaWorld Orlando: Katina, Kalina, Tilikum, Taima, Takara, Taku, Ikaika, and Trua. SeaWorld San Antonio holds six orcas: Kayla, Kyuquot, Keet, Unna, Tuar, and Halyn. 23 Orcas have been successfully born and raised since 1985, however the breeding of orcas is extremely difficult and many still births have occurred.

Critics often attack for a lack of respect towards its Orcas. One such critic is marine biologist Richard Ellis had this to say on the subject "It is not for us to demonstrate respectful dominance over those creatures, but only respect. Sea World makes clowns of the orcas, depriving them of their dignity. Furthermore, orcas are among the most family-oriented animals we know. They live in tight groups, and removal of any father, mother, or juvenile - even if for hours - is a severely traumatic experience." . Organisations such as the WSPA and the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society campaign against the captivity of Orcas and SeaWorld Organisations such as the WSPA and WDCS campaign against the captivity of Orcas and SeaWorld which owns 55% of the worlds captive orcas.

During a 1989 performance, the orca Kandu collided with another whale. As a result of the collision, Kandu broke her jaw and bled to death.

Stunt show accident

On August 17, 1996, 22 people were injured during a Baywatch-themed water ski stunt show at the now closed SeaWorld of Ohio. Andrew R. Schleis, who was driving a boat in the show, lost control after the boat allegedly experienced mechanical failure. The boat crashed five rows deep into the show's stadium resulting in 17 being taken to area hospitals and 5 treated on the scene. Of the 17, at least 4 were listed in critical condition. Of those injured, none have died as a result of the incident.

During the accidents investigation, the owner of the boat, World Entertainment Services Inc. of Winter Park, Fla., was charged with three marine regulation violations unrelated to the accident.

[ Visit the complete Wikipedia entry for SeaWorld ]

Games - SeaWorld

Orcas

Stunt show accident

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