Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dreamscapes.ca/i/631317
DREAMSCAPES WINTER/SPRING 2016 26 A mid the sea of guests clamouring to catch the Blue Horizons and Shamu show or soar through the sky on Manta and Kraken, it can be easy to miss some of the elements of SeaWorld that truly reflect the heart and soul of this company. With a legacy of animal rescue spanning more than 50 years and benefitting more than 27,000 animals, responding to wildlife in crisis is a commitment they take to heart. Working in partnership with state, local and federal agencies, the park rescue teams are on call 24/7 assisting animals that are orphaned, ill, injured or in need of expert care, with the goal to successfully rehabilitate animals for return to the wild. The small per- centage of animals whose injuries are too debilitating to permit release are given life- long care. The company maintains one of the largest animal collections in the world and has helped lead advances in the care of species in zoological facilities and the con- servation of wild populations. GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR VISIT WITH A BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR As a parent and animal-lover myself, a day at any of the SeaWorld parks feels like the best of both worlds. My children are entertained and have fun visiting the parks, but end up learning so much about the animals and conservation, almost without even realizing it. Did you know that since 1980, SeaWorld has rescued more than 1,500 sea turtles? You can learn how SeaWorld cares for rescued sea turtles and manatees at TurtleTrek. Whether cold- stunned from below normal water temperatures, entangled in fishing gear, injured from a motor- boat strike or impacted by an oil spill, the park provides treatment and a place of recovery. As they become healthy enough, they are released back to the ocean for a second chance at life. BY JENNY FAUSER WILDLIFE AMBASSADORS TOP: At SeaWorld Orlando's TurtleTrek, guests can find out what it's like to be a turtle and learn about the incredible journey—and peril—these animals face throughout their lives and what we can all do to help them survive. ABOVE: Go behind the scenes at Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin and hear from animal experts about what it takes to care for these unique birds. Plus, get a rare opportunity to interact with and touch a penguin. © 2015 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment