SeaWorld Announces Massive Blue World Project

SeaWorld announced this morning that they are about to undertake a massive project to upgrade their Orca habitats in all of their US parks. It was rumored that a big announcement was coming, but this is something else all together.

The project, which their calling the "Blue World Project, will feature the complete redesign of the killer whale habitats. Starting with their San Diego park, construction will begin in 2015.

These new habitats will effectively double the size of the current ones in use. The expansion means they will hold nearly 10million gallons of water, go to a depth of 50ft from the current 36ft and even include the long discussed "water treadmill" system to allow for a more natural ocean current. The surface area will be almost 1.5 acres and with a length of over 350ft, that's bigger than a football field here folks. In addition to the expansion, which is said to cost in the hundreds of millions range, SeaWorld is also pouring an additional $10 million into research.

“Through up-close and personal encounters, the new environment will transform how visitors experience killer whales,” said Atchison. “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.”

Curios where it's going? Well the image to the left shows off the area that the expansion will take up and it looks like quite a few changes will be coming due to it as well.

From the looks of the concept art, viewing areas and other spaces for guests and trainers to interact with the Orcas will be greatly improved as well. Some areas are said to be 40ft tall and promise to give guests a glimpse into the habitat like never before.

Seaworld Parks- Stand for Truth

Seaworld Parks- Stand for Truth.

 For months, Seaworld Parks have been trying to teach the world at large that what they saw in "Blackfish" was nearly all false. Yet people are still wearing blinders and refusing to do their own investigation into the claims the film made.

 Many people stand with Seaworld, including this blog and it's staff. We know the truth, we've done research and some of us have even worked for Seaworld before- we support them.

 Now is your change to "Stand with Seaworld" for Truth.  You can join "The Seaworld Truth Team" online to help support the good works and care the company gives and help dispel the hate, bias and ignorance as well as receive email notices and information about the parks.

 Join Seaworld's Truth Team

**NOTE**

Yes, everyone has an opinion on this matter. This post is NOT the place to spout off about it. Anything that can be taken as an attack, hateful, rude, asinine, juvenile or vulgar will be deleted from the comments with extreme predigested by the staff..and we will enjoy it.

Seaworld Parks- New Shamu Night Show

Image from Orlando Sentinel

 New Shamu Night Show coming to All Seaworld Parks.

 Today Seaworld Parks announced that in Summer of 2014, they will be launching an all new "Nighttime Shamu Show" to replace the seven year old "Shamu Rocks" show.

 This new orca show works with Seaworlds big "Sea of Surprises" 50th anniversary projects. Along with the new shamu show, the parks will be adding in other fun surprises for visiting guests. Including expanded animal encounters and art installations (made from washed up ocean debris).  Along with this, Seaworld San Diego is getting a new entrance plaza called "Explorers Reef" which will feature touch pools and learning stations.

 None of these moves have been a response to the sad phenomena of "Blackfish" (which isn't getting that Oscar they so wanted- HA!). The parks have reported record earnings and states these anniversary programs have been on the list since they decided to make a project of the event.

On the Topic of Seaworld and Blackfish- Part 2

 On the Topic of Seaworld and Blashfish- Part 2..

 Folks, I've said it before and I'll keep saying it- You have to look at both side with a very open mind and a lot of speculation. Don't take anything as the gospel truth, read and learn for yourself before making gut reaction decisions.

 Yet "Gut Emotion Reaction" is 95% of what I see when people start in on the topics of Seaworld, Tillikum and Blackfish. Seeing one film simply gives you the opinion of the director and editors. You see and hear only what they want you too, it's never the full story.

Frankly, I don't think a "true story" exists as they will all be colored with someone's opinion.


 I'm writing this as part of my own ongoing research about Blackfish and Seaworld, as recently I was lucky enough to be in contact with Joe Kleiman of Themed Reality. He's another blogger with ties to Seaworld and the Theme Park/Amusement Park world who, like me, has been trying to unravel the twisted web surrounding Blackfish.  He's written a very nice, well worded piece about Blackfish called "Dissecting Blackfish" which looks into the film and how it's been slanted to give you that gut reaction.

 I'd like to urge everyone to read through it, not just to uncover much of the "smoke and mirrors" used surrounding Blackfish but also to see how much was left out or changed to sway you to their side of this ongoing argument.  I continue to urge all of you to keep looking, keep reading and keep learning about these animals. Look at both sides to figure out where you want to stand on the topic.




(Comments are subject to deletion if they are rude, profane or otherwise found is poor taste.)

Seaworld Orlando-New "Shamu Up Close" Highlights Training

Seaworld Orlando Highlights Training at New "Shamu Up Close".

Image from Orlando Sentinel

 While Shamu Stadium goes through a series of upgrades during Central Florida's slowest season, the team of trainers at Seaworld Orlando are pushing the highlight of their Killer Whales to Training and Education.

 Trainers talk about animal training and educate the public on the behaviors of the animals both for show and medical purposes. Allowing guests and up close and personal view of Orca's actions, while learning facts about these animals.

 This new program is slated to last through April but could remain beyond the re-opening of Shamu Stadium. It's located next to Shamu Stadium and viewing remains open between trainer talks, the underwater viewing area is also open during this time. There is no additional charge for "Shamu Up Close" outside of park admission.

 Renovations to Shamu Stadium include replacing the heavy acrylic panels, repainting of the pool as well as other minor fixes required over time. This standard maintenance has nothing to do with the Blackfish and is normal for the age of the stadium.