USA: SeaWorld to Build New Killer Whale Environments

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, operator of the three SeaWorld parks in San Diego (CA), Orlando (FL) and San Antonio (TX), has announced that it plans to build new, first-of-its-kind killer whale environments in all of its three SeaWorld parks. In the course of the “Blue World Project”, the state-of-the-art habitats will offer visitors unique and inspiring killer whale encounters. “Through up-close and personal encounters, the new environment will transform how visitors experience killer whales,” said Jim Atchison, CEO and President ofSeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. “Our guests will be able to walk alongside the whales as if they were at the shore, watch them interact at the depths found in the ocean, or a birds-eye view from above.” The first of the new environments will be built at SeaWorld San Diegowith a total water volume of 38 million liters (ten million gallons), nearly double that of the existing facility. With a planned maximum depth of 15 meters (50 ft), a surface area of 6,070 square meters (nearly 1.5 acres) and spanning around 107 meters (350 ft) in length, the new environment will also offer views of more than twelve meters (40 ft) in height. Also professionals and SeaWorld experts will have a new, unique access to the whales which can lead to a better understanding and care of the animals. The first facility is due to open in San Diego in 2018 with new killer whale habitats to follow at SeaWorld Orlando and SeaWorld San Antonio. As part of the project, SeaWorld has committed ten million dollars in supporting funds for killer whale research projects.(eap)