SeaWorld Conservation Partnerships with New Ride Openings Raise Awareness and Provide Funding for Marine Animals in Need

Over the next few months, SeaWorld will be opening two of the most anticipated coasters of 2022 according to USA TODAY: Ice Breaker and Emperor. Each coaster boasts nonstop thrills at every turn, promising to be an experience you’ll never forget. But in addition to the fun ride experience, each will also feature a conservation partner to help bring awareness to marine animals in need – one of SeaWorld’s primary missions.

In Orlando, Ice Breaker has teamed up with Alaska SeaLife Center, where guests will learn more about Alaska’s wildlife and the need for conservation as they queue to board this highly anticipated ride. SeaWorld Rescue Orlando also partners with Alaska SeaLife Center on the rescue and rehabilitation of Alaskan animals including seals, sea lions, belugas, otters, and walruses, among others. The Alaska SeaLife Center is the only facility in Alaska that combines a public aquarium with marine research, education, and wildlife response. While primarily dedicated to marine research and education, the nonprofit Center is the only permanent marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation facility in the state. 

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“The Alaska SeaLife Center is excited to expand our partnership with SeaWorld as for many years, SeaWorld has been a devoted supporter of the Center’s Wildlife Response program,” said Tara L. Riemer, President and CEO of the Alaska SeaLife Center. “SeaWorld has assisted the Center with incredible animal rescues including Aku the walrus and Tyonek the beluga whale.  This new collaboration will enhance our mission to share Arctic and sub-Arctic rescue and conservation stories with the public, especially SeaWorld visitors.”

Over in San Diego, Emperor will be paying homage to its namesake – the Emperor Penguin – by partnering rel="noopener noreferrer" with the non-profit Penguins International to shine a light on the need for penguin conservation around the world. The organization is committed to preserving and protecting penguins throughout the world, and they actively engage in conservation efforts, educate the public on threats to penguins, and conduct scientific research investigations; three activities that go hand-in-hand to fully understand these amazing species of birds and protect them for all to cherish.

"Out of the 18 species of penguins on our planet, nine of those species are threatened with extinction. Penguins International is proud to be partnered with SeaWorld so we can reach our mutual goal of worldwide penguin conservation,” said Katie Propp, Director of Conservation and Education at Penguins International. “The Emperor Penguin is an indicator species - sensitive to the changes in their Antarctic environment. When we protect the environment in which penguins live, we are also increasing the health of the planet as a whole. Here at Penguins International, we can’t wait to share penguin conservation successes with SeaWorld’s biggest penguin fans!”

A portion of the proceeds from Ice Breaker and Emperor merchandise will be donated to these organizations to support their important conservation, education and research efforts. Educational programming for park guests about these conservation programs, and how guests can help support them, will also be provided.