Notable Recognitions
SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment
2006: "Manatee Hero Award" by the Save the Manatee Club
2005: "50 Best Employers for People Over 50" by AARP
2002: "1st Place Behavior of the Year and People's Choice" by IMATA
1994: "Presidential Point of Light" by former President George H.W. Bush
1994: “Best Behavior Award" by IMATA and "People's Choice Award" by IMATA
SeaWorld San Antonio
2017: Wave Breaker: The Rescue Coaster rated among top 5 best new rides of 2017 by Amusement Today
2016: “The Pet Rock of Gibraltar Award” for continuous support in helping San Antonio become a no-kill city.
2015-2016: "#4 Best Marine Life Park" by Amusement Today
2015: DiversityFIRST Award: Best Practices by Greater San Antonio
2015: Lifesaving Award for the Professional Responder by the American Red Cross
2015: “Best Attraction 2015” by Texas Travel Industry Association and “Best Theme Park in Texas 2015” by Yahoo Travel
2014: Amusement Today, Golden Ticket Stranded Animal Award
2013: “Lifesaving Award for the Professional Responder” by the American Red Cross
2012-2013: "#3 Best Marine Life Park" by Amusement Today
2012: “Large Employer of the Year Award: 22nd Annual Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Celebration” by San Antonio Independent Living Services
2012: “Achievement Award for Dedication and Service to Nature Tourism in Texas” by Texas Nature Tourism Council
2010: Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Award
2010: “Air Quality Stewardship Award” by the Alamo Area Council of Government
2009: “Going Green Award for Conservation” by San Antonio Business Journal
2008: “Water Saving Pioneer Award” by San Antonio Water System
2007: "Outstanding Achievement Live Production" by Themed Entertainment Association
2006-2011: #2 Best Marine Life Park" by Amusement Today
2006-2008: "Occupational Excellence Achievement Award" and "Million Work Hours Award" by National Safety Council
2006: “Big E Award: Best Overall Production Budget of $1,000,001 or more” by the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions
2001: “Handicapped-Access Award” by Disability Assistance of Central Texas
2000, 2004, 2005: "Environmental Excellence Award" by The San Antonio Water System
1999:"Brass Ring Award: Best of Show Broadcast Categories – Television Commercial” by the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions
1998 & 1990: United Way Pacesetter Award; United Way of San Antonio Bexar County
Aquatica San Antonio
2016: #24 “Top U.S. Amusement Parks & Water Parks 2016” by TripAdvisor Travelers Choice)
2015: #6 “Top 10 Best Outdoor Waterparks in the U.S. 2015” by USA Today
2012 & 2013: “Wave Review Award” by World Waterpark Association
2012: Walhalla Wave®"#10 Most Extreme Water Slides in the World" by Travel Channel
SeaWorld San Diego
2017: Electric Ocean: IAAPA Brass Ring Award for most creative event
2012-2016:"#2 Best Marine Life Park" by Amusement Today
2012: Manta®: "Publisher's Pick: Turnstile Award" by Amusement Today
2012: "North American Conservation Award for Light-Footed Clapper Rail Recovery" by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums
2011: "#4 Best Marine Life Park" by Amusement Today
2010: Veterinary Lab, "Animal Welfare Advancement Award" by Animal Behavior Management Alliance
"Testing the Limits Award" by American Society for Clinical Pathology
2009: "Plume Award for Noteworthy Achievement in Avian Husbandry" by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums
2008: "Exhibit of the Year" by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums
2008: "Classic Award" by Themed Entertainment Association
2007: "1st Place People's Choice Award" by IMATA
2007:"Outstanding Achievement Live Production" by Themed Entertainment Association
2006-2010: "#3 Best Marine Life Park" by Amusement Today
2006: “Big E Award: Best Overall Production Budget of $1,000,001 or more” by the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions
2004: "Real Heroes" by the Red Cross
2004, 2011: “Director’s Award: Waste Reduction & Recycling Awards Program” by The City of San Diego
2002: "Behavior of the Year (Crowned Cranes)" by the International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators
1997: "WRAP Award of the Year for Recycling and Waste Reduction Efforts" by The California Integrated Waste Management Board
1997-2000, 2002-2003, 2006-2010, 2012-2016: "Recycler of the Year" by The City of San Diego
1994-2003: "Waste Reduction Awards Program Award (WRAP)" by The California Integrated Waste Management Board
1992, 2004: "Edward H. Bean Award–Significant Achievement Award" by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums
SeaWorld Orlando
2017: Top 10 Amusement Park in the US and Top 15 Amusement Park in the World by Trip Advisor Traveler’s Choice Awards
2015: Mako, "Best New Theme Park Attraction" and "Best New Roller Coaster" by Theme Park Insider
2012: The Longshoremen in Bubble Trouble, "Brass Ring Award: Best Atmosphere/Street Show Performance/Act" by the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions
2012: SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration®, "Best Christmas Event" by Behind the Thrills
2009: Manta, "Best New Attraction" by the National Amusement Park Historical Association
2006-2016: "#1 Best Marine Life Park" by Amusement Today
2006: “Big E Award: Best Overall Production Budget of $1,000,001 or more” by the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions
2003: "Behavior of the Year and People's Choice" by Animal Behavior Management Alliance
2003: "Trainer's Choice Award" by Animal Behavior Management Alliance
2003: “Manatee Conservation Award" by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
2001: "Outstanding Philanthropic Organization" by Association of Fundraising Professionals
1999: Journey to Atlantis®, "Outstanding Achievement Attraction" by Themed Entertainment Association
1996: "Edward H. Bean Award–Significant Achievement Award" by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums
1994: Manatee Rescue®; 1996: Wild Arctic®, "Best New Zoological Exhibit in the Country" by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums
Aquatica Orlando
2016: “World’s 18 Best Water Parks 2016” by Fodor’s Travel
2016: #3 “Top U.S. Amusement Parks & Water Parks 2016” by TripAdvisor Travelers Choice)
2016: #11 “Top 25 Water Parks in the World 2016” by TripAdvisor Travelers Choice
2015: “#1 Top U.S. Amusement Parks and Water Parks 2015” by Travel Channel
2015: #4 “Top 10 Best Outdoor Waterparks in the U.S. 2015” by USA Today
2012: Walhalla Wave, “Most Extreme Water Slides in the World 2012” by Travel Channel
2012: "Waterpark of the Year" by Behind the Thrills
2009: "Industry Leadership Award in Waterparks" by World Waterpark Association
2008: "Industry Innovation Award" by World Waterpark Association
Discovery Cove
2013: "#4 Best Marine Life Park" by Amusement Today
2013, 2014, 2015-2017: "#1 and #2 Amusement Park or Water Park in the World" by TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice
2011, 2014-2016: "#3 Best Marine Life Park" by Amusement Today
2001: "Outstanding Achievement Marine Park" by Themed Entertainment Association
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
2017: InvadR: Rated among top 5 best new rides of 2017 by Amusement Today
2015: Tempesto, “#10 Best Amusement Park Rides 2015” by Travel Channel
2014: Apollo's Chariot®, "#7 Top 10 Steel Roller Coasters" by Amusement Today
2012: "Best Food Destination" by Behind the Thrills
2012: Verbolten®"#4 Best New Ride-Amusement Park" by Amusement Today
2011 – 2012: "Champions of Disability Employment" by Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services
2010: "Peninsula Clean Business Award" by James City
2009: "#2 Favorite Theme Park" by the National Amusement Park Historical Association
2008: "#3 Favorite Theme Park" by the National Amusement Park Historical Association
2006-2007: "Best Theme Park" by Theme Park Insider
2005: "Industry Leader Award for Remarkable Safety Performance" by National Safety Council for Water Country USA®
1998-2016: "Best Landscaping" by Amusement Today
1992-2012: "Excellent Achievement in Recycling" by James City County and York County
1990-2018: "World's Most Beautiful Amusement Park" by the National Amusement Park Historical Association
Water Country USA
2016: “Ten Best Water Parks to Visit 2016” by Fodor’s Travel
2016: “World’s 18 Best Water Parks 2016” by Fodor’s Travel
2016: #7 “Top U.S. Amusement Parks & Water Parks 2016” by TripAdvisor Travelers Choice)
2016: #22 “Top 25 Water Parks in the World 2016” by TripAdvisor Travelers Choice
2015: “Top U.S. Water Parks 2015” by Travel Channel
2015: #8 “Top 10 Best Outdoor Waterparks in the U.S. 2015” by USA Today
2011: "#2 Best New Ride-Waterpark" by Amusement Today
Busch Gardens Tampa
2016: Liseberg Applause Award
2016: “Environmental Sustainability Award: Private Recycling” by Recycle Florida Today
2016: “Ten Best Amusement Parks to Visit in 2016” by Fodor’s Travel
2012: Iceploration®"Brass Ring Award: Best Sports Show Production and Heartbeat Award for Entertainment Excellence" by the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions
2011: Cheetah Hunt®"#2 Best New Ride-Amusement Park" by Amusement Today
2011: Adventure Island’s Vanish Point®, "#2 Best New Ride-Waterpark" by Amusement Today
2009: Jungala® "Outstanding Achievement Attraction" by Themed Entertainment Association
2008: "Earth Charter Sustainable Business Award" by Earth Charter Sustainable Business Coalition
2008: "Recognizing an Environmental Leader Clean Air Award" by The Tampa Bay Clean Air Partnership
Sesame Place
2018: First theme park in the world to be designated as a Certified Autism Center by International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES)
2012: "Vincent N. Mariniello Award" by Variety-The Children's Charity
2009:"Groundwater Guardian Green Site Award" by Groundwater Guardian
2004: Industry Leader Award for Remarkable Safety Performance" by National Safety Council