At SeaWorld San Diego Se Habla Ballena

Thank you to SeaWorld for hosting our family to facilitate this post. All opinions expressed are our own.

By Viviana Cardozo

​​Last Saturday we had the opportunity to visit SeaWorld in San Diego. It was incredible to have the opportunity to see whales, dolphins, sea lions, so close. The children were on a level of fascination, learning about marine life and being able to meet animals they had only seen on television.

​We enjoyed seeing the passion and love of the veterinarians who take care of the animals. Even the kids want to play (sometimes rude) with the animals; they were there to protect the animal and be sure the animals were comfortable with visitors. 

We learned that since the beginning of the park, the staff has had the mission of caring for the environment and animals, which extends beyond the limits of the park.  We meet the Animal Rescue Team, who has rescued more than 17,000 animals such as sea lions, seals, and seabirds in the last 50 years.
 
We visited the surgical room, which contains personalized surgery table, X-ray equipment, ultrasound, endoscopy, and anesthesia. The medical facilities, which had the most modern diagnostic equipment, antibiotics, intravenous fluids and other medicines. The program is more that medical care, we visit the refrigerator where several thousand pounds of fresh fish we're ready for the animals. (Yes, I think the animals eat better than us.)

​But despite good care, animals that are rescued do not stay here forever. If animals after being rescued and medically rehabilitated demonstrate to the Animal Care Team that it can defend itself, the animal is returned to the ocean. To give these animals the best chance to survive, Sea World often returns them to the sea by boat.

​Visitors to the park can learn more about SeaWorld's rescue program by visiting the Rescue Plaza, where video screens reproduce images of marine animals given a second chance at life.  Also, the general public can tune into the "Sea Rescue" television series, which tells the stories of the SeaWorld Rescue Team and its partners on rescue, rehabilitation and return of marine animals. The show, which won the Emmy and now in its sixth season, airs on ABC on Saturdays.

For more than 50 years, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment has played a vital role in the rescue and rehabilitation of injured and orphaned wildlife and recently hit a sobering milestone – surpassing 30,000 animal rescues.

SeaWorld’s conservation, animal rescue and research efforts include:
• SeaWorld’s Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Program
• Unparalleled access for scientific research
• Eliminating the use of plastic bags in the park’s gift shops
• Continuing to advance water conservation
• Elimination of polystyrene foam products
• Recycling efforts • Oiled Wildlife Care Center
• Providing award-winning education programs that include structured teaching
• Partnership with world-renowned marine artist and conservationist Guy Harvey focused on ocean health and the plight of sharks in the wild
​• The SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, a registered, non-profit foundation that has granted $14 million in support of projects around the world

SeaWorld is more than an amusement park. They do a lot of ocean animals and they offer educational programs. At SeaWorld Se Habla Ballena (you speak whale)!

What is new at SeaWorld San Diego?

New things happening at SeaWorld San Diego, that you do not want to miss

• Orca Encounter: Based on killer whale behavior in the wild—how they move, hunt and navigate, what they eat, and even how they communicate— this new encounter is a live documentary-style presentation helping park guests gain a deeper appreciation and respect for the orcas, and empowering them to preserve the future of these majestic animals
• Ocean Explorer: This extraordinary new attraction combines multiple aquariums, exciting rides and digital technologies designed to engage park guests in an experience centered on exploration and adventure. On the attraction’s signature ride, Submarine Quest, guests become adventurers on a global expedition of scientific exploration, travelling aboard submarines to see Ocean Explorer’s remarkable undersea animals.
• Electric Ocean: (Coming soon) As the sun sets, Electric Ocean™ will light up SeaWorld with an ocean of brilliance and vibrant energy that will transform the park into an underwater world of colorful luminescence. This new, nighttime summer spectacular will immerse guests in a glowing sea of wonder with bioluminescent-like lighting, a dance club and pathway entertainment. Electric Ocean kicks off June 17 and runs on select dates through Sept. 4.
• UPCOMING SEASONAL EVENTS & FESTIVALS
  

1. FOURTH OF JULY—SeaWorld will present a 20-minute fireworks show synchronized to patriotic music on the Fourth of July.
   
2. HALLOWEEN—During SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular® (Sept. 23–Oct. 29), kids can show up in costume and enjoy a Halloween-themed sea lion and otter show, Clyde & Seamore’s Big Halloween Bash, plus colorful costume characters and trick-or-treating among a sea-inspired atmosphere.
   
3. WINTER— Nov. 18, 2017–Jan. 1, 2018 SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration® is back with Santa, sea lions and snow! Guests can grab hot cocoa and experience Santa’s Christmas Village, the return of Rudolph’s Page 2 Christmastown and fun holiday-themed shows. Families also can enjoy the nightly lighting of the 40-foot animated tree and more, all under the glow of SeaWorld’s 320-foot Skytower Christmas Tree of Lights.
   

3 Must Do Experiences At SeaWorld

We love visiting SeaWorld and through the years we have done different experiences that we recommend everyone to enjoy. They add value to your visit. They all have an additional fee, but they are totally worth the price. Here are our 3 favorites.

1. Dine with the Orcas

​Enjoy a delicious chef crafted meal on a private poolside patio next to Orca whales.
Dine With Orcas is an hour long experience and generally open 7 days a week.
The delicious buffet features striploin, chicken, salmon, salads, pasta, sides and much more, and includes sustainable, organic, seasonal or locally-grown ingredients.

2. Beluga Interaction and Dolphin Interaction Program

The beluga interaction allows you to enter the chilly Arctic waters to interact with white beluga whales. Touch & feed the whales while you learn unique trainer techniques that they use to communicate with the warm-hearted mammals. (Participant must be at least 10 years of age and taller than 48")
 
For dolphin lovers, this in-water experience allows you to meet, touch & feed dolphins in their own environment. Learn different hand signals used to communicate with these intelligent mammals.(Participant must be at least 10 years of age and taller than 48")

3. Penguins Close Up Tour

Here you will have the exclusive opportunity to come face-to-beak with a penguin. You get to be inside Penguin Encounter and take a tour and learn everything about Penguins. Animal experts share their experiences in caring for these unique animals and the challenges they face in the wild.
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Note that participants must be at least 6 years of age. Children under age 14 must be accompanied by a paid adult participant.

For more information and to buy your tickets please visit SeaWorld San Diego .
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SeaWorld San Diego
500 Sea World Dr, San Diego, CA 92109

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Viviana Cardozo is a Colombian business woman living in California with her 5-year-old son.

She enjoys writing about travel, lifestyle, and entrepreneurship. Over the past few years, she has had the pleasure of working on campaigns for the Colombian Ministry of Tourism, private tourism companies, and a variety of well-known brands throughout Latin America.