SeaWorld

:For the unrelated theme park in Australia, see Sea World.

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SeaWorld is a chain of theme parks in the United States, with operations in Orlando, Florida, San Diego, California, San Antonio, Texas, and previously Cleveland, Ohio. The parks feature killer whale, sea lion, and dolphin shows and zoological displays featuring various other marine animals. The parks' icon is Shamu the killer whale.

Related Topics:
Theme park - United States - Orlando, Florida - San Diego, California - San Antonio, Texas - Cleveland, Ohio - Killer whale - Sea lion - Dolphin - Shamu

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SeaWorld parks also feature a variety of thrill rides, including roller coasters like Kraken at SeaWorld Orlando and The Steel Eel at SeaWorld San Antonio. Journey to Atlantis, a combination roller coaster and splashdown ride, can be found at both SeaWorld Orlando and SeaWorld San Diego. The parks are owned by Busch Entertainment Corp., the family entertainment division of Anheuser-Busch, which is best known for brewing beer but also owns nine theme parks. In July 2005, SeaWorld Orlando announced plans to add a water park to its complex, which already includes SeaWorld and Discovery Cove; the water park is expected to combine water thrill rides with marine life, with attractions such as clear acrylic tube slides through pools containing Commerson's dolphins. The park is scheduled to open in spring 2007.

Related Topics:
Roller coaster - Kraken - SeaWorld Orlando - The Steel Eel - SeaWorld San Antonio - Journey to Atlantis - Anheuser-Busch - 2005 - Discovery Cove - Commerson's dolphin

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One of the biggest attractions is the Shark Encounter, in which guests are carried through a submerged acrylic tube into the sharks' tank. Another famous ride is Wild Arctic, simulating a helicopter ride to the Arctic. After the ride, the guests arrive at a simulated base station, where they can observe polar bears, Pacific walruses, and beluga whales. Another attraction is the Penguin Encounter, showcasing a variety of penguins. In addition, an attraction features endangered Florida manatees. The park has an extensive playground for children, 'Shamu's Happy Harbor.

Related Topics:
Wild Arctic - Helicopter - Arctic - Polar bear - Walrus - Beluga whale - Penguin Encounter - Penguin - Manatee

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SeaWorld has made many contributions to wildlife conservation. SeaWorld scientists, zoologists, trainers and rescue teams participate in research and wildlife preservation. Recently, SeaWorld teams have helped saved beached whales, dolphins, seals, and sea lions and helped raise the awareness of endangered manatees. SeaWorld's commitment to conservation, research and animal rescue was recently formalized with the creation of the non-profit SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund.

Related Topics:
Whale - Manatee - SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund

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SeaWorld's main attraction is the killer whale, several of which are housed in 7-million-gallon habitats that are each known as Shamu Stadium. It is important to note that there is not just one killer whale named Shamu. Shamu was the name of the first killer whale ever to be brought to SeaWorld San Diego in the 1960s. 'Shamu' is now used as a stage name for adult killer whales in performances at SeaWorld parks. The killer whales all have real names. In the Orlando park, for example, there are nine whales: Tillikum, Ikaika, Katina, Kalina, Takara, Kohanna, Skyla, Taku, and Taima.

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