SeaWorld was a wonderful finale to the Oceanography Camp. As soon as we arrived, our very knowledgeable guides showed us the dolphin exhibit, and then led us in a behind the scenes tour of the SeaWorld rescue operations.
We saw the manatee rehab pool, turtle rehab pools, aviary facilities, some of the rescue boats, the animal “ambulance” that’s outfitted for marine mammal recues, and even some lab facilities. We learned that the animals at Sea World are regularly given check ups to monitor their base line health and that there are more birds rehabilitated and returned to the wild at SeaWorld than any other animal. And during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, SeaWorld was critical to rehabilitating sea turtles.
The ladies also learned what it takes to work at SeaWorld’s animal recue operations – courses in math and science, work experience with exotic animals, SCUBA certification, and dedication to a career in conservation. It was great to see the important work that these dedicated professionals do!