On Tuesday, SeaWorld announced a plan to build its first water park without orcas, in Abu Dhabi. SeaWorld is partnering with Miral, a developer of theme parks and tourist destinations in the UAE. Their CEO Mohamed Al Zaabi said in a statement:
“SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is a unique project for the region which complements our portfolio of attractions and enriches Yas Island as the most exciting destination for our visitors. As Abu Dhabi’s developer of unique and exciting destinations, the opportunity to design a next generation marine life themed park in partnership with SeaWorld is bold and ambitious. Miral will continue to develop and create leading destinations on Yas Island that offer unique, immersive and exciting experiences for everyone.”
SeaWorld president Joel Manby said that the park will be paired with “a dedicated research, rescue, rehabilitation and return facility focused on marine life care and conservation.” The UAE has a number of animal and marine parks, including the Dubai Dolphinarium, where some of the dolphins were allegedly acquired via the Taiji dolphin hunt in Japan, captured in animal abuse documentary The Cove. SeaWorld also once bought from the hunts for their parks, according to an article from NBC News in 2009, but at that time SeaWorld claimed 80% of its dolphins were born in captivity. Phasing out orcas is one step towards making amusement parks featuring wild animals palatable, if that’s even possible.
