SeaWorld
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- For the unrelated theme park in Australia, see Sea World.
SeaWorld is a chain of theme parks in the United States, with operations in Orlando, Florida, San Diego, California, and San Antonio, Texas. 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.
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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.
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 Artic, simulating a helicopter ride to the Arctic. After the ride, the guests arrive at a simulated base station, where they can observe polar bears. Another attraction is the Penguin Encounter, showcasing penguins. In addition, an attraction features endangered Florida manatees.
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 main attraction is the Orca (killer whale) stadium or the 'Shamu Stadium'. It is important to note that there is not just one orca named Shamu. Shamu was the name of the first orca ever to be brought to SeaWorld California. The name is now used as a stage name for all orcas at SeaWorld parks in America. The orcas all have real names, however. For example, at Orlando there are nine orcas that go by the names of Tillikum, Ikaika, Katina, Kalina, Takara, Kohanna, Skyla, Taku and Taima.