As a member of the news media I recently had the opportunity to take a behind the scenes tour of SeaWorld San Diego, which most visitors don’t get to see when they take in a show or tour the public areas of the park.
For example, I glimpsed a towering polar bear that was quite impressive, especially when he decided to rear up on his hind legs to greet visitors. Polar bears are very dangerous creatures, and best viewed from a distance, I discovered.
In the back pool, I also witnessed the antics of the white beluga whale that resembles a dolphin and saw dozens of friendly penguins that were very comfortable living away from the midday sun in their dark, cold living quarters.
Finally, I had the opportunity to see firsthand a 9-day-old sea lion pup. When it cried for its mom, it sounded just like a baby crying.
The backstage tour was an emotional, and eye-opening, experience, especially when our hosts showed us some of the activities that are part of SeaWorld San Diego’s Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Program.
The program is designed to treat, shelter, rehabilitate and return as many animals to the wild as possible.
About 65 percent of rescued animals are released through this program, but some of the other 35 percent can’t survive in their natural habitat. So, they are kept at the park or other sanctuaries, and given a permanent home.
The rescued animals we saw included a blind, 3,000-pound walrus that had been brought to SeaWorld through the Southwest Marine Mammal Stranding Network.
He’s as content as a clam in his new quarters at the park, and oh, boy, what a healthy appetite , he consumes 90 pounds of fish per day!
Through the SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, the park is committed to preserving endangered wildlife. This work includes various public education programs held at the park and other venues.
In addition, the fund supports research and rescue organizations, which in turn aids animals that are injured, sick, stranded or in need of veterinarian attention.
The park supports this fund with donations from its own profits and offers businesses and individuals the opportunity to help build the fund with private donations.
What’s not obvious to park visitors is the dedication of the staff and management to the many marine mammals, as well as other creatures of the sea.
They were all, without question, extremely passionate about their work of taking care of the various species at SeaWorld.
SeaWorld’s commitment to preserving wildlife includes the breeding of endangered species and the protection of threatened habitats.
A SeaWorld partner is the Hubbs SeaWorld Research Institute, a nonprofit based on Mission Bay dedicated to protecting and conserving marine animals and ocean resources.
SeaWorld is also dedicated to educating children through various resident camps, day camps and overnight sleepovers.
Educational programs range from a weeklong Ocean Adventure Camp for grades four to six to the weeklong Ocean Animals Camp for grades seven and eight. There’s a weekday Career Camp for students in grades nine through 12.
San Diego is very fortunate to have SeaWorld as a corporate citizen. It is a treasured asset.
The next time you visit SeaWorld, keep in mind the commitment to preserve and protect our marine wildlife and to make the Southern Californian coastal region such a great place to live and work.
Meanwhile, visit SeaWorld on the Web at www.seaworld.com, and click on the SeaWorld San Diego link.
Armon Mills is president and publisher of the
San Diego Business Journal.
