SeaWorld Orlando adds killer whale encounter, Shamu up close tour

SeaWorld Orlando just announced a new killer whale encounter. Do you want to get up close and personal with Shamu?

Part of SeaWorld Entertainment, SeaWorld Orlando balances theme park entertainment and animal conservation. With new thrill rides like VR Kraken and the tallest Orlando roller coaster, Mako, the theme park tries to set itself apart from other local entertainment options. But, animal conservation and education has always been a stated priority for the entertainment company. The addition of a killer whale encounter reignites the orca controversies.

Over the past several years, killer whales, or orcas, have been a controversial exhibit at SeaWorld. After the tragic death of a trainer and the release of the documentary Blackfish, many animal rights activists sought to end the orca shows and orca captivity. In California, the state legislature passed the Orca Welfare and Safety Act. This statute codifies treatment standards for all captive orcas. The announcement of the new orca encounter in Orlando may make some controversial waves.

Killer whale encounter at SeaWorld Orlando, photo provided by SeaWorld Parks PR

According to a SeaWorld press release, the new orca encounter is the first of its kind. A 45-minute tour includes meeting the killer whale trainers and interaction with the whales themselves. Each daily tour will expose guests to killer whale feeding habits, healthcare, and other daily activities. Additionally, guests will be able to “try their hand at a session with the whales alongside a trainer.”

SeaWorld animal encounters are nothing new. The park offers penguin and dolphin encounters, too. Also, throughout the park, guests can feed stingrays, sharks, and sea lions. SeaWorld staff is always available to answer animal related questions, as well.

Beyond the park, the SeaWorld organization prides itself in being a leader in animal conservation and education. From working to conserve sea turtles and manatees to rehabilitating a penguin who lost its feathers, SeaWorld aims to protect animals and their welfare. Considered a zoological organization, SeaWorld “has helped more than 30,000 animals in need over the last 50 years.”

SeaWorld Orlando orca encounter, photo from SeaWorld Parks PR

Even though the park and organization has an impressive zoological history, animal activists hate the killer whale exhibits and shows. Granted, the shows have changed over the years. Now, trainers cannot enter the water with the orcas in Orlando, and California has phased out the shows entirely. Still, the limited space and other environmental elements are considered not optimal for these magnificent creatures.

Like any zoo, these types of exhibits do have educational value. No animal in a zoo environment will be as content as it would in the wild. After being on an African safari, it is difficult for me to go to a zoo. Anyone who has seen elephants roam on the savannah or canvisually tell a happy zebra may not want to go to a zoo. But, few people can see animals in the wild. More importantly, zoos and conservation centers, including SeaWorld, offer an environment to study and educate everyone about animals. Conditions may not be like the wild, but the knowledge gained can be extremely valuable.

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The new killer whale encounter at SeaWorld Orlando will have haters and fans. Controversy isn’t new for SeaWorld. For those who want to participate, the special encounter is available at 10 a.m. daily and it lasts about 45 minutes. The cost $75 per person, in addition to park admission.