This post was written by Jennifer of Experimental Mommy in partnership with The MOMS and SeaWorld.Travel expenses were provided however all opinions remain 100% mine.
After a long but fun day at Discovery Cove, the next morning we were up early for a full day at SeaWorld. I was extremely thankful for both the Starbucks in the SpringHill Suites lobby and for the news that I would not have to put a wetsuit on again. We started off with breakfast in SeaWorld at Sharks Underwater Grill. It was truly incredible to watch as sharks, rays, and other beautiful fish swam by while we ate. The breakfast was delicious and it was a meaningful experience to be able to watch the ocean life interact in the huge, panoramic aquarium while we heard more about the efforts at SeaWorld to advocate for them.
After breakfast, we moved on to our behind the scenes Rescue and Rehab tour to learn how the efforts from people at SeaWorld have helped save nearly 28,000 animals and counting. We saw manatees, turtles, and dolphins that have been rescued and are being cared for because they would no longer be able to survive in the wild due to their injuries. We learned that the top problems affecting the manatees that SeaWorld saves are boat strikes, cold stress, entanglement in fishing lines or nets, and orphaned calves. With the use of animal ambulances (which look surprisingly similar to human ambulances, but on a bigger scale), SeaWorld Rescue Teams have been able to save manatees among other animals and continue to care for them until they can be re-released if possible.
Because of the efforts of those at SeaWorld, many of these animals go on to live happy lives and continue to get excellent care. In addition to the care happening behind the scenes, world-renowned marine artist and conservationist Guy Harvey has recognized the hard work and dedication of SeaWorld and has partnered with them to raise awareness about the plight of sharks in the wild and the health of our oceans. Research shows that more than 100 million sharks are killed every year in the global shark fishery due to practices such as shark finning. In addition to science and research efforts, Guy Harvey and SeaWorld will also work together to increase public awareness about ocean health and the need for shark conservation. SeaWorld’s new roller coaster, Mako, will help to enhance this effort and raise awareness. During the course of our visit, I was lucky enough to meet so many amazing SeaWorld employees from every facet of involvement, and one thing was constant: their genuine love and concern for these animals.
Following our tour, we had just a few hours of free time before we had to start our trip back home, but we used them well. While I would have been first in line to ride Mako, my daughter couldn’t talk herself into it, so we squeezed in a few other attractions like Wild Arctic, Journey to Atlantis, Antarctica, and Empire of the Penguin (which was our favorite for different reasons). My daughter loved it because you finished the ride face to face with the cutest crowd of penguins you’ve ever seen. I loved it because it was 32 degrees in the attraction as opposed to ten billion degrees outside. Both equally valid reasons!
We were so sad to leave Orlando but truly feel like our time there was a gift. As I’ve told many friends since returning, if you are heading there just to see a certain mouse, you are missing out for sure. There is so much to do, learn, and see at SeaWorld and Discovery Cove, and knowing how hard everyone is working behind the scenes gives me an even bigger appreciation for the activities and entertainment available there. I encourage all of our readers to learn more through SeaWorld Cares and start planning your trip to Orlando. I know you’ll love it as much as we did!