Paper or plastic?
Paper or plastic? Soon there will be just one choice at the 10 theme parks of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment — paper — as the company eliminates plastic shopping bags within the next year. SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment will be the largest theme park operator to make this commitment.
Park gift shops will offer paper bags made from 100 percent recycled paper or guests can choose to purchase reusable bags.
“This is a significant change for our company, one we hope will provide a model for our industry overall,” said Jim Atchison, President and Chief Executive Officer of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. “Eliminating plastic bags is an important statement about our commitment to the environment, as well as the need to help protect marine animals from debris. It also allows our guests to play a direct part in making a difference on our planet.”
This move will keep an estimated 4 million plastic bags from entering landfills and the environment each year. Approximately 1.4 billion tons of trash, including plastic bags, enters the ocean annually. Wildlife such as endangered sea turtles often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, one of their favorite foods.
The company began exploring the concept at SeaWorld San Diego in 2011, when the park discontinued the use of plastic gift bags to mark the opening of its new Turtle Reef attraction. SeaWorld Orlando is eliminating the bags this month in conjunction with the opening of its new attraction, TurtleTrek.
Also adding to the ways park guests can… Continue reading
SeaWorld veterinarian removes fishing hook from sea turtle
The animal was found by the Inwater Research Group – an organization committed to the research and conservation of coastal species and habitats – who also assisted in the animal’s transport. The turtle, a sub-adult weighing approximately 100 pounds, was rescued from the intake canal at the St. Lucie Power Plant in St. Lucie County, Fla.
The turtle arrived at SeaWorld Orlando last night (February 26) and underwent surgery this morning following x-rays and blood work procedures. According to the veterinary team, the 4-inch-long hook was successfully removed. The turtle’s behavior will continue to be monitored over the next several weeks, but is doing well following the procedure.
So far this year, SeaWorld Orlando has rescued nine sea turtles. It is the intent that upon recovery, this animal will be released back into its natural environment.
For 45 years, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment has helped animals in need — ill, injured and orphaned. More than 20,000 animals have been rescued by our experts. SeaWorld’s animal rescue team is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Air Orlando: Winter at the Water Parks
by Nick LoCicero
It’s December. What better place to visit than an Orlando Water Park! I just took an evening flight over Wet ‘n Wild and Aquatica when they were empty. They are both however in full operation year round and still busy while the sun is up.
Wet ‘n Wild… doesn’t that water look refreshing?
Do you have a favorite slide at Wet ‘n Wild?
I was a big wave pool fan when I was a kid.
Wet ‘n Wild against the O-Town skyline.
The colorful slide is Disco H20… I’ve never been on that one yet.
Wet n’ Wild is open during the winter months from 10a-5p daily.
Aquatica, Sea World’s water park, is also open daily from 10a-5p during the winter months.
Another view of Aquatica.
While in the area, I snapped some pics of Sea World all decorated for Christmas.
I’ve never been to Sea World at Christmas… I’ll have to change that. It looks beautiful.
SeaWorld Orlando is using a custom orthopedic brace
SeaWorld Orlando is using a custom orthopedic brace to care for once-stranded pilot whale. The whale has scoliosis – or curvature of the spine – that prevents her from swimming normally.
To treat the whale’s curvature of the spine, SeaWorld Orlando animal experts and veterinarians worked with Orlando-based Jewett Orthopaedic Clinic to develop a custom-fitted brace that could be adjusted slowly over time, during daily physical therapy sessions. Vets and animal care experts hope the brace will help straighten the whale’s spine and tail, allowing it to regain use of its tail and allowing it to swim normally.
This is the first time a custom-fitted orthopedic device of this kind has been used on a large whale.
According to Jon Peterson, a senior member of SeaWorld Orlando’s animal rescue team, it’s too soon to know if the brace will work but staff remain committed to doing anything possible to help care for the recuperating animal.
A global leader in animal care and conservation, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment cares for more than 60,000 animals including 200 endangered or threatened species. This commitment extends to animals around the world: The company has contributed more than $50 million to conservation, wildlife rescue and environmental stewardship initiatives and has supported efforts on every continent, as well as operating its own well-respected wildlife rescue program. The SeaWorld Rescue Team is on call 24/7 to help animals in need.
Summer Nights Gets Even Better With After-3 p.m. Ticket
SeaWorld Orlando’s Summer Nights just got even better with a new after-3 p.m. ticket. The special admission and special price – only $49.99 – brings more flexibility, fun and value to Orlando’s best nighttime theme park entertainment.
After dark, SeaWorld is filled with a new kind of energy and unforgettable nighttime shows. There’s Shamu Rocks, a high-energy rock ‘n’ roll extravaganza of lights, sounds and, of course, the park’s biggest star, Shamu; the hilarious hijinks of the evening-only sea lion show, Sea Lions Tonite; under-the-stars coaster rides on Manta, with riders swooping and gliding through the night; and Reflections, SeaWorld’s spectacular of soaring fountains and dazzling fireworks, that ends the night with a sky-filling celebration.
It’s the amazing fun of SeaWorld’s Summer Nights, after 3 p.m., for only $49.99. And during Summer Nights, through August 14, SeaWorld is open until 10 p.m.
In addition, a special Summer Nights after-3 p.m. ticket and dining deal is available for only $59.99. This amazing package includes a wristband to enjoy all-you-care-to-eat-and-drink at participating restaurants. This deal can be purchased online or at the Information Counter upon arrival.
There are also special deals for families looking for an all-day SeaWorld adventure. Adults pay the kid’s price and get a 2nd visit free. As with all of SeaWorld’s special events, Summer Nights is included with park admission.
For more information, visit SeaWorldOrlando.com
SEAWORLD AND BUSCH GARDENS GRANT MORE THAN $1 MILLION TO PROTECT ANIMALS IN NEED
Animals in need and endangered species around the world will benefit from more than $1 million in grants awarded this year by the non-profit SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund. Since its creation eight years ago, the Fund has granted more than $8 million to protect wildlife and wild places.
The Fund approved grants to more than 100 wildlife protection projects including programs to reintroduce endangered cheetahs to the African wild, protect sea turtle nests across the world, educate and connect kids with the ocean, and help restore America’s fragile coasts.
“From big cats to penguins, these species are in dire need of help. SeaWorld and Busch Gardens work to educate and inspire guests to care about the plight of these animals, and these grants from the Fund support our conservation partners working in the field,” said Brad Andrews, president and executive director of the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund and chief zoological officer for SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. “Together, we can make a world of difference for these extraordinary species that share our world.”
Highlights of the more than 100 projects and organizations include:
Big Cats in Big Trouble
The big cats of the world are disappearing. There are fewer than 12,000 cheetahs throughout Africa and less than half the number of lions that were there only 50 years ago. The Fund is supporting seven conservation organizations around the world that work to stop the decline of big cats and identify conservation strategies for their future.
- The Dell… Continue reading
Friday Night Live Show – June 24th 2011
[podcast]http://traffic.libsyn.com/eyeonorlando/Eye_on_Orlando_06_24_11.mp3[/podcast]
This week the crew consists of most of the team with Juz,Nick,Adam and Michelle
News wise…
- How’s That New Universal Orlando App?
- Fun Spot: Coaster grand opening July 2
- SeaWorld Orlando Releases Three Green Sea Turtles Back into Their Native Waters
- Universal tickets are moving on up !!!
- ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER
- Candlelight Processional Narrators 2011
- Comcast Buys Blackstones Universal Parks Stake
- Laser Light Shows Return to the Orlando Science Center!
We discuss Universals new app and start the Top 5 must do attractions….
Direct Download or Check out iTunes
Discovery Cove, the ultimate, all-inclusive tropical retreat
Discovery Cove, the ultimate, all-inclusive tropical retreat where guests swim with dolphins, takes immersion to new depths opens June 10th
The new reef features multiple levels of exploration, from shallow waters to deeper swimming
adventures, from white sandy beaches and hammocks swaying in the breeze, to snorkeling
among canyons inspired by reefs from around the world.
“The Grand Reef takes Discovery Cove’s world-class animal encounters to an all new level –
several, actually,” said Stewart Clark, the park’s vice president. “It’s what our guests expect
from us, unforgettable connections with the sea and making memories that will last forever.
This could only be created by Discovery Cove.”
Visitors just need to get their feet wet to enjoy The Grand Reef, or they can choose to go deep.
They can step into tranquil, shallow waters to discover a below-the-surface world teeming with
sea life, or they can snorkel in deeper waters as thousands of exotic fish and graceful rays swim
around them.
Surprises abound. Families can seek discoveries along the water’s edge or cross a bridge to
see sharks swimming below. They’ll play hide-and-seek with thousands of beautiful fish, from
small colorful wrasses to large spotted eagle rays. Further out in the reef, stunning habitats
create the feeling of swimming right alongside venomous lionfish and sharp-toothed reef sharks,
each safely behind glass. Guests can take paths and bridges to the reef’s islands and hidden
grottos as they delve into the reef from above, around and below.
Those looking for an even… Continue reading
Sea World Offers Teachers Reduced Tickets
SeaWorld Orlando thanks teachers by offering a “Study Pass” to all active and certified K-12 grade school instructors. It’s a free 2011 Fun Card allowing unlimited admission to SeaWorld Orlando now through year’s end, with no blackout dates.
For even more savings, until May 31, teachers can purchase up to six additional tickets at $20 off each admission, sharing the SeaWorld Orlando fun with family and friends.
More details can be found at SeaWorldOrlandoTeachers.com.
The “Study Pass” is intended to be an inspiration, too. Whether it’s visiting Penguin Encounter to prepare for a classroom session on environmental issues in the southern hemisphere or riding Manta, the flying roller coaster, to help explain physics and gravity, the park’s experiences give teachers the unique opportunity to use their SeaWorld visit to help enhance their curriculum.
In fact, SeaWorldOrlandoTeachers.com is a starting point for teachers to learn about all SeaWorld has to offer.
Getting the “Study Pass” is easy. Teachers simply bring their Florida teaching certificate, recent paystub and photo ID to any ticket window at SeaWorld Orlando’s front gate. Right then, they can purchase discounted admission for family and friends.
“Sharing marine life knowledge with students is one of our core values,” said Terry Prather, SeaWorld Orlando’s president. “At SeaWorld Orlando alone, more than 100,000 students pass through our camp and field trip programs every year. We know how important a strong educational foundation is for our youth and we want to thank teachers for their years of devotion and passion.”
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