SEA WORLD
SAN DIEGO
Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute
, which is located on Mission Bay just west of SeaWorld, is a public, nonprofit organization dedicated to providing solutions to conflicts that arise between human activity and the natural world. Hubbs-SeaWorld’s scientists apply sophisticated technologies to seek the solutions that protect and conserve marine animals while benefiting humans and their reliance on marine resources. Research at the Institute focuses on rare, endangered and threatened species and habitats, on depleted fishery resources and on the ecology of marine animals and biological diversity. Founded in 1963 to conduct research in the tradition of Milton C. Shedd, one of the visionary founders of SeaWorld San Diego, and world-renowned scientists, Carl L. and Laura C. Hubbs, its charter is: “to return to the sea some measure of the benefits derived from it.”Access to SeaWorld's extensive marine zoological collection and superb facilities are unique assets that provide the Institute with unparalleled opportunities for scientific studies. For more information, visit www.hswri.org.
Manatee Rescue is one of only three U.S. locations outside Florida displaying endangered Florida manatees. Several rescued and rehabilitated manatees live in this fascinating attraction. More than 800 square feet of underwater viewing offers an unparalleled view of the gentle giants as they swim, rest and eat. The SeaWorld Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Program is an important part of the park’s commitment to conservation, research and education. The objective is to return rehabilitated animals to the wild. Through this program, SeaWorld’s mammal, bird and fish specialists have rescued, treated, sheltered, rehabilitated and released thousands of animals that were ill, injured or stranded. On average, 65 percent of the 200 or more animals rescued annually are rehabilitated and returned to the wild. Marine species treated by the SeaWorld team include sea turtles, seabirds, whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions and otters.
The SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund is a private, non-profit charitable foundation that allows visitors to the nine Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks, as well as members of the general public, to help protect wildlife and wild places. Contributions strengthen the parks’ existing efforts to preserve endangered wildlife; expand conservation education around the globe; support worthy conservation and research organizations worldwide; and to aid ill, orphaned, injured or stranded animals. At the three SeaWorld parks (San Diego, San Antonio and Orlando, Fla.), guests can contribute by experiencing a Saving-A-Species Tour, where a portion of the fee goes to the Fund. They also can contribute by purchasing select park merchandise where 15 percent of the proceeds go to the Fund, or by visiting the organization’s Web site, www.swbg-conservationfund.org.
SeaWorld’s Garden of Discovery features fun and interactive activities for the entire family. Home gardeners, horticulturists and wildlife enthusiasts discover how they can recreate some of SeaWorld’s gardening magic in their own backyards. Adults visiting this beautiful garden can relax and enjoy a butterfly, bird and bee garden, self-sustaining pond and a self-guided park landscape tour. Children delight in an underground peek at a worm’s life, explore garden tools, get a bee’s-eye view of plant pollination and even dig for fossils. SeaWorld’s award-winning gardens are in bloom year-round.
SeaWorld’s Oiled Wildlife Care Center is an example of a successful private and public partnership dedicated to environmental stewardship. This facility employs lessons learned from past oil spills and improvements in wildlife rescue, care and rehabilitation. When not being used for oil spill response, the 8,000-square-foot complex houses ill or injured animals being cared for in SeaWorld’s Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Program.
