Exposure to COVID-19 is an inherent risk in any public location where people are present; we cannot guarantee you will not be exposed during your visit. Review Important Safety Guidelines

Close Alert
  • About Us Who We Are Who We Are

    See it Here, Save it There

  • Leadership Leadership Team Leadership Team

    Board & Corporate Leadership

  • Responsibility Corporate Responsibility Corporate Responsibility

    An Integral & Long-Term Commitment to Conservation.

  • Military
    Notable Recognitions
  • Corporate Partners
  • Careers
  • directions
    Auditions
Our Brands
  • Conservation & Science Conservation & Science Encounter sloths during your adventurous Animal Trek at Discovery Cove.

    Unmatched focus on Conservation and Science

  • Rescue & Rehabilitation Rescue & Rehabilitation SeaWorld Sea Lion Release

    Globally recognized leader in partnership with government and non-profit organizations

  • Animal Care Animal Care Animal Welfare

    Everything we do starts with world-class, professional and loving care

  • FAQ
    Research Partners
  • Education
    Education
Blog
  • Park Media Park Media SeaWorld's Electric Ocean Summer Event

    See the Latest Releases and Media Information for each of our Parks here.

  • Press Releases Press Releases Jack Hanna Weekend at SeaWorld Orlando

    View Our Latest Statements & Releases

  • Recent News Recent News Seven Seas

    What's New at SeaWorld Entertainment? Find Out Here

Investors
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment

Buy Tickets

tickets
Back to Blog Home

SeaWorld Parks Leading the Future of Zoo and Aquarium Design with Dynamic Habitat Initiative

January 8, 2020

Video Modal Share

Orca Dynamic Habitat Initiative

/dīˈnamik/  adjective:  characterized by constant change, activity, or progress; continually evolving. 

Since 2018 SeaWorld Parks in Orlando, San Diego and San Antonio have been working on an exciting project to bring more diverse and enriching environments to the park’s habitats.   The Dynamic Habitat Initiative (DHI) is a fresh way of thinking about zoo and aquarium environments, with multiple species of animals living together including marine mammals, birds, sharks, rays, invertebrates and fish.   SeaWorld Parks are part of a community working to continually advance the quality of habitat design, supported by state-of the art science and more than 55 years of animal care expertise. 

 

How Does it Work? 

At its most basic, dynamic habitats allow for the integration and interactivity of species, creating a more vibrant and variable ecosystem for all of the animals. 

The advantages touch on animal benefits and animal stewardship both obvious (dolphins chasing fish) and more subtle (beneficial micro-organisms and natural filter systems.) DHI environments drive enrichment and diversity for all species living in them. 

 

What are some examples of DHI at our SeaWorld Parks?

  • Orca habitats at SeaWorld San Diego and Orlando have introduced species of fish.   Aquatica Orlando has done the same with its Commerson’s dolphins.  DHI environments are designed to provide refuge for fish that need it, but recognizing the behavior of animals there is always a chance of animals being eaten. 
  • The sea otter habitat in San Diego and Asian otter area at Discovery Cove Orlando have introduced live fish and various shellfish to its otter populations. 
  • SeaWorld San Antonio’s newly opened Turtle Reef is a biodiverse, dynamic habitat in action. Threatened and endangered sea turtles swim with schools of fish in a coral reef-themed environment. A natural, recirculating bio-filtration system of Texas salt marsh grasses attracts wildlife and reduces water and energy consumption in the park, enabling the park to further its eco-friendly mission.

 

Benefits and Goals

Positive results of dynamic habitats include enhanced water quality and increased behavior complexity in animals.  DHI’s provide more diverse, enriching, and biologically active environments for its inhabitants. 

 

Dr. Jeff  Keaffaber, Corporate Director of Environmental Design, offered, “It is an exciting time for our Dynamic Habitats Initiative.  Creating stimulating and diverse environments is another example of SeaWorld’s commitment and leadership to strengthening the well-being and welfare of the amazing animals in our care, with a goal to eventually introduce this design into all of the park’s animal environments.“

 

SeaWorld California Dynamic Habitat Initiative
Orca habitat at SeaWorld San Diego 

 

Turtle Reef Habitat at SeaWorld in San Antonio
Turtle Reef at SeaWorld San Antonio is home to threatened sea turtles and multi-colored fish. 

 

Native Grass filtration at the Turtle Reef Habitat at SeaWorld
Native grasses around Turtle Reef habitat help naturally filter the 126,000-gallon coral reef-themed environment.
Conservation
Animal care
Turtle swimming under water

Natural Filtration System Debuts at SeaWorld San Antonio

May 13, 2019

SeaWorld San Antonio debuts a first of its kind biofiltration system in a zoological setting, planting wetlands to help filter animal waste and teach guests about the balance of diverse ecosystems.

Conservation
Teens who received SeaWorld's Environmental Excellence Awards

Environmental Excellence Awards

August 17, 2018

Nearly half of the world’s population of over seven billion people are under the age of twenty-five. At SeaWorld, we recognize that if we’re serious about addressing the environmental challenges facing our planet we must inspire and support the next generation of conservation leaders.

Conservation
Partners

One Small Fry For Rising Tide, One Giant Leap For Marine Aquaculture

Right now there are 100 to 150 juvenile yellow tangs, ranging in age from 70 to 90 days old, happily swimming in their tanks - and the best part? There are more are on the way! Why is that a big deal you ask? Let’s take a step back… Where did all of these yellow tang come from?

Conservation
Get Involved
  • Home
  • Blog
  • SeaWorld Parks Leading the Future of Zoo and Aquarium Design with Dynamic Habitat Initiative
SEAS Logo
Our Company
  • Corporate Info
  • Jobs
  • Investor Relations
  • SeaWorld Cares
  • Our Company
Conservation
  • Conservation Fund
  • SeaWorld Cares Blog
  • Animal Welfare
  • Conservation Commitment
  • Conservation
Education & Entertainment
  • Camps
  • Emmy Award DVDs
  • Teacher Resources
  • Sea Rescue
  • Wildlife Docs
  • Education & Entertainment
Theme Parks
  • SeaWorld Orlando
  • SeaWorld San Diego
  • SeaWorld San Antonio
  • Discovery Cove
  • Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
  • Busch Gardens Williamsburg
  • Sesame Place Philadelphia
  • Sesame Place San Diego
  • Theme Parks
Water Parks
  • Aquatica Orlando
  • Aquatica San Diego
  • Aquatica San Antonio
  • Adventure Island
  • Water Country USA
  • Water Parks

© 2021 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

  • Terms and Conditions
  • Notice of Collection
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Content License
  • Aquatica
  • Discovery Cove Logo
  • SeaWorld Logo
  • Busch Gardens Logo
  • Adventure Island Logo
  • Water Country USA Logo
  • Sesame Place Logo

Video Modal Share

Are you sure you want to delete this item?