Apparently bowing to public opposition to its killer whale shows, which some have branded as commercial exploitation, SeaWorld announced it will phase out its orca shows in 2016 and replace them with a “more natural” whale experience debuting in 2017.
Announcement of changes to SeaWorld’s current business model was made Nov. 9 during a live webcast of the theme park and entertainment company’s annual investor meeting. Joel Manby, SeaWorld Entertainment’s president/CEO, said the company intends to reposition itself “by evolving the guest experience to align with consumer preferences for experiences that matter – to learn more about the natural world and the plight of animals in the wild, along with family entertainment and attractions.”
During the presentation, Manby shared with investors and analysts a plan to build on the company’s strong business fundamentals. The new SeaWorld plan includes a new approach to in-park activities as well as greater connection to the company’s television programming that highlights SeaWorld Entertainment’s veterinary care and animal-rescue operations. Other elements of the plan include a more simplified approach to value-based pricing, investment in new attractions, and an ongoing focus on cost control as part of a larger commitment to financial discipline.
“We hope that experiencing animals in our parks moves our guests to a deeper understanding of the plight of all animals – and an increasingly threatened natural environment – and inspires those guests to help conserve the world we share,” Manby said.
The unanticipated SeaWorld announcement followed in the wake of months of reports of declining revenues at its theme parks, including San Diego’s. It also followed in the wake of a Nov. 6 announcement by Rep. Adam Schiff (D-28) of the Burbank legislator’s intent to introduce a bill named the Orca Responsibility and Care Advancement (ORCA) Act. The bill would phase out the captivity of orcas so that their display ends with this generation. Schif’s legislation, if passed, would prohibit the breeding, taking (wild capture) and the import/export of orcas for public display.
“The evidence is very strong that the psychological and physical harm done to these magnificent animals far outweighs any benefits reaped from their display,” said Schiff. “We cannot be responsible stewards of our natural environment and propagate messages about the importance of animal welfare when our behaviors do not reflect our principles. The ORCA Act ensures that this will be the last generation of orcas who live in captivity, and we will appreciate these incredible creatures where they belong – in the wild.”
This most recent turn of events in the ongoing orca captivity controversy was hailed by San Diego Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez (D-80) on her website as a major breakthrough. But she added the fight for marine mammal rights continues.
“Today’s acknowledgement by SeaWorld does not end our push to halt inhumane orca captivity and breeding practices, but it’s a step in the right direction,” said Gonzalez. “More importantly, SeaWorld’s announcement contradicts their earlier statements that the company could not be profitable unless orcas were forced to participate in these circus-like shows. In fact, the public pressure on SeaWorld to stop the Shamu shows became the exact reason why the company’s profitability was at risk. “Today’s news shows that the public can hold big corporations accountable when they merely defend offensive business practices as being vital to their bottom line. Clearly, SeaWorld can move away from being a giant circus that harms animal life and still have a viable business model,” she said.
On Nov. 9, Manby also announced several new business initiatives, including partnerships between SeaWorld with Panasonic and Evans Hotel Group. He said a key objective of the Panasonic partnership is to use technology to better connect park guests with animals and the company’s 23,000 employees, now known as ambassadors, with the larger goal of inspiring a shift in behavior.
SeaWorld also announced it has signed a letter of intent with Evans Hotels Group to explore development of a resort hotel on SeaWorld’s leased land in San Diego. Evans owns and operates well-known resorts and attractions in San Diego County including The Lodge at Torrey Pines, Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa, the Bahia Resort Hotel and the Bahia Belle and William D. Evans sternwheelers in Mission Beach.
?The Evans partnership is part of SeaWorld Entertainment’s strategy to look at opportunities and partners to develop resort properties in or near some of its parks.
“We are delighted to partner with Panasonic and Evans Hotels, companies that have such well-established reputations for quality and innovation,” Manby said. “We are excited to begin deploying Panasonic technology solutions to enhance the guest experience in our parks and to explore resort development opportunities on Mission Bay with Evans Hotels.”
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