For 55 years, SeaWorld has been a leader in the rescue and rehabilitation of marine and terrestrial animals, having now rescued more than 36,000 animals since the first SeaWorld Park opened in 1964.
More important than the number 36,000 is SeaWorld’s commitment to protect and rescue animals in need. SeaWorld’s work supports a network of dedicated rescue experts, animal care specialists and veterinarians who work tirelessly to give ill, injured, orphaned or abandoned animals a second chance at life.
“SeaWorld’s work rescuing and rehabilitating wild animals is of the highest calibre and the reason why the rescue team has been a long-standing and valuable partner,” said Donna Wieting Director of NOAA Fisheries’ Office of Protected Resources. “We also value SeaWorld’s mission to educate the public about marine wildlife conservation and the role they play in protecting animal habitats.”
One animal recently cared for by SeaWorld is Bingley, a male manatee. Bingley was rescued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) earlier this year and transported to SeaWorld Orlando for rehabilitation due to pneumothorax, an injury to the animal’s lung often caused by a boat strike. SeaWorld’s team of animal care experts and world-renowned veterinarians spent five months providing specialised care to Bingley before the FWC determined he could be released off the coast of Florida.
“Our teams remain on the frontlines of marine mammal rescue because of our enduring commitment to supporting rescue, rehabilitation and return,” said Jon (JP) Peterson, Senior Leader of Zoological Operations at SeaWorld Orlando. “In a perfect world, animals would never need to be rescued, but until that changes, our teams will continue to work closely with our partners to help save these animals.”
