SeaWorld Proudly Supports Manatee Awareness Month, Providing Essential Role in Manatee Preservation and Completing Nearly 1,300 Rescues, Rehabilitations and Returns
ORLANDO, FL. (November 8, 2021): SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: SEAS) proudly supports Manatee Awareness month in November, providing an important role in the preservation of the species and completing nearly 1,300 rescues, rehabilitations and returns of manatees in need. Since 1976, SeaWorld has provided these services, in partnership with other organizations and agencies, becoming the largest manatee rescue operation in the U.S. SeaWorld operates one of only five critical care facilities in the U.S. and makes scientific advances that increase the survival rate of orphaned, sick, and injured manatees. SeaWorld also extends support into the community with financial grants for non-profit groups, school programs for kids, and research programs. Each ticket, each visit and each experience at our parks helps fund wildlife rescue and rehabilitation efforts, habitat protections and ocean health initiatives. The commitment has never been more important than today with manatees now in crisis: a record Unusual Mortality Event (UME) threatens to return these iconic sea mammals to the endangered species list. “While SeaWorld rescues more marine animals than any other company in the world, the manatee is of particular focus today because without our help, and that of our partners and community, there is a real possibility they will vanish forever,” said Dr. Chris Dold, Chief Zoological Officer of SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Parks. “SeaWorld has taken a holistic approach to address the crisis – from being a leader in rescue, to offering state-of-the-art critical care and rehabilitation, to facilitating returns of healthy animals back to their natural environments. Leveraging 48 years of manatee care experience gives us a distinct advantage in helping these animals in their fight for survival.” With a record breaking 1,000 manatee deaths in 2021, populations have diminished to dangerously low levels and they face many threats, most dramatically starvation due to depletion of sea grass, their primary food source, along with cold stress, injuries from boat strikes, entanglements, and other illnesses. “The manatee is a national treasure and Florida’s official marine mammal and all of us owe a duty of care to do everything possible to prevent these gentles giants from disappearing forever from our waterways,” said Congressman Darren Soto. “We are working across the aisle to introduce legislation to grant manatees the highest level of federal protection possible. But we can’t get it done alone: involvement by every-day people and committed private sector groups like SeaWorld are a vital part of solving this equation.” In addition to rescues and returns, SeaWorld contributes to the health and safety of the manatee population through a wide range of programs and commitments including: SeaWorld Orlando Rescue Center is One of only Five Critical Care Centers in the U.S. SeaWorld Orlando serves as one of only five critical care facilities in the U.S. for the treatment and care of injured, sick, and orphaned animals, including manatees. SeaWorld’s five-acre Rescue Center has the capacity to care for up to 40 manatees at a time -- one of the largest spaces available – and its facilities have a wide range of critical care amenities including lifting floors, top-of-the-line therapeutic and diagnostic equipment, and expert veterinary staff. In addition to in-house facility care, the range of expertise means SeaWorld can step in to fill any role in the field alongside its other partners. “These advantages mean SeaWorld is often the first call for support in the field, especially outside the state of Florida., said Jon Peterson, VP of Zoological Operations at SeaWorld Orlando, Head of SeaWorld Orlando Rescue Team, and Chairman of the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership. “Because of our scale, we can support manatee rescue up and down the eastern seaboard and across the Gulf coast.” Innovations in Veterinary Care and Nutrition Increase Manatee Survival Rates SeaWorld develops life-saving innovations in animal care and treatment. For manatees, this includes:
In Park Experiences and School Education Programs Get the Public Involved Millions of guests each year visit SeaWorld Orlando’s Manatee Rehabilitation Area to view these slow-moving herbivores while learning more from experts about the animals in their care and simple actions everyone can take to help make a difference for this threatened species. The Rehabilitation Area serves as both a permanent home to manatees unable to return to their original habitat and as a halfway house for manatees who have recovered from critical care and are awaiting release. Outside of the park, SeaWorld Eco Club school partnerships provide a way for kids to get more involved. For example, the Eco Club at Millenia Gardens Elementary School is growing lettuce to help feed manatees while the club at Westridge Middle School is raising bees and harvesting honey for use in animal wound care. More than 125 kids and teens participate in these two programs today. More than 16 SeaWorld Conservation Fund Grants Made to Global Manatee Causes Over the past 18 years, the SeaWorld Conservation Fund (SWCF) has provided more than 16 grants to global manatee causes. Recipient organizations include Friends of the Manatee Association (AMPA), Rainforest Awareness Rescue and Education Center, ZooTampa Lowry Park, Mamirauá Institute for Sustainable Development, IPÊ – Instituto de Pesquisas Ecológicas, Wildlife Trusts, The Nature Conservancy, Reef Watch Marine Conservation, and more. Projects range from care and feeding of orphaned manatee calves, research on the impact of anthropogenic sound in the marine environment, studying watercraft mortality of the Antillean manatee and emerging threats due to the rise in cruise ship tourism, and establishing patrols to protect West Indian manatee sanctuaries near the Belize/Mexico border. National Research and Partnerships Help Create a Healthier Manatee Ecosystem SeaWorld partners with leading academic and research institutions, non-profits, animal welfare groups, and government agencies as part of its conservation efforts. Some manatee specific partners include:
Join the conversation using #ManateeAwarenessMonth. Follow our manatee stories on Facebook, Instagram, SeaWorld Cares, and #SeaWorldSavetheManatee. What To Do If You Spot a Manatee in Distress? To report a manatee in distress in Florida, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Wildlife Alert hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC (1-888-404-3922). The Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership also offers a helpful list of what to do to help a stranded manatee. About SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: SEAS) is a leading theme park and entertainment company providing experiences that matter, and inspiring guests to protect animals and the wild wonders of our world. The Company is one of the world’s foremost zoological organizations and a global leader in animal welfare, training, husbandry, and veterinary care. The Company collectively cares for what it believes is one of the largest zoological collections in the world and has helped lead advances in the care of animals. The Company also rescues and rehabilitates marine and terrestrial animals that are ill, injured, orphaned, or abandoned, with the goal of returning them to the wild. The SeaWorld® rescue team has helped more than 39,000 animals in need over the Company’s history. SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. owns or licenses a portfolio of recognized brands including SeaWorld®, Busch Gardens®, Aquatica®, Sesame Place® and Sea Rescue®. Over its more than 60-year history, the Company has built a diversified portfolio of 12 destination and regional theme parks that are grouped in key markets across the United States, many of which showcase its one-of-a-kind zoological collection. The Company’s theme parks feature a diverse array of rides, shows and other attractions with broad demographic appeal which deliver memorable experiences and a strong value proposition for its guests.
ANAHEIM, Calif. (September 1, 2021) – Magic is here with Holidays at the Disneyland Resort, and this year the merry making and fun festivities will run from Nov. 12, 2021, through Jan. 9, 2022. Guests will enjoy a distinctly Disney holiday experience with beloved traditions that include the breathtaking Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle, “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade, and magical snow falling on Main Street, U.S.A., at Disneyland Park. At Disney California Adventure Park, guests will enjoy a heartwarming celebration that brings the holiday season to life with Disney Festival of Holidays, “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” Street Party and the merry motor-themed holiday décor on Route 66 in Cars Land. Throughout the parks, guests will see Santa and Disney characters turned out in their holiday best, enjoy seasonal sweet treats at food and beverage locations, and shop at favorite Disney boutiques for memorable gifts for everyone on their lists. The Disneyland Resort holiday celebration extends to Downtown Disney District and Hotels of the Disneyland Resort with traditional décor and festive entertainment adding to the merriment. At Disneyland Park Guests entering Disneyland will be greeted by a magnificent 60-foot-tall Christmas tree on Main Street, U.S.A., decorated with nearly 1,800 ornaments. The classic tree is an iconic symbol of Holidays at Disneyland Resort, as well as an ideal location for holiday photos. At the entrance to Fantasyland, the holiday magic will shine brightly each evening when Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle begins to sparkle with light and music fills the air illuminating the night in an enchanted wintertime spectacle. Several times a day, guests will again see “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade and some favorite Disney characters and princesses throughout the park, dressed in their seasonal finest with a few surprises this year. As their magical day comes to an end, guests will find the perfect finishing touches to their holiday memories with a magical “snowfall” along with colorful projections on Main Street U.S.A., and the façade of “it’s a small world” during the “Believe…in Holiday Magic” fireworks spectacular. The heartwarming finale is a “kiss goodnight” moment from several beloved characters, dressed in their pajamas and waving goodbye from the balcony of the Disneyland Railroad Train Station in Town Square. Additionally, seasonal transformations will once again resonate holiday cheer at “it’s a small world” Holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday. At Disney California Adventure Park Guests at Disney California Adventure Park will create new memories during Disney Festival of Holidays as theydiscover the sights, sounds and tastes of a diverse season of celebrations, including Christmas/Navidad, Diwali, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Three Kings Day. The festivities include live entertainment, shopping for themed merchandise and eight food marketplaces where guests will sip and savor culinary delights. A team of Disney chefs drew on inspiration from their own unique stories to handcraft some of the festive foods on the marketplace menus. The celebration continues with “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” as Disney characters host a fun street party featuring Mexican folklórico dancers and Mariachis, Brazilian samba dancers and percussionists, giant mojiganga puppets and Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in their fiesta best. In the Paradise Gardens area of the park, guests will enjoy festively themed food and beverages plus live music and performers starting Nov. 12, and later in the Holiday season, the debut of newly-featured Mirabel from the Walt Disney Animation Studios upcoming film “Encanto.” At Pacific Wharf, guests will find holiday-themed menus with special food and drink to be savored while listening to live musical entertainment. Here as well, younger guests will discover craft stations and cookie decorating kits to add to their holiday fun. The four-wheeled residents of Radiator Springs will be pulling out all the stops with their holiday décor in Cars Land. The yuletide spirit will shift into high gear beginning with a snow-covered billboard at the land’s entrance and stretching all the way to the hubcap-studded tree decorating the front of the courthouse. Guests will enjoy a plethora of cleverly themed automotive ornamentation all along Route 66 where two attractions will rely on a little festive magic to transform into Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl and Mater’s Jingle Jamboree. Guests of all ages will be delighted to see Santa Claus in his rustic home at the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail. Guests may share their holiday wishes with the jolly fellow and take souvenir pictures in this scenic location. Adding to the merriment, Mickey Mouse and pals celebrate the season with a joyful party and dance along to the magical rhythms of the Holiday Toy Drummers several times daily. Health and Safety at the Disneyland Resort Guests are encouraged to visit Disneyland.com/experience-updates for important information to know before visiting the Disneyland Resort, including the latest updates on required face coverings. Both valid admission and theme park reservation for same park on the same day are required for park entry. Park reservations are limited, subject to availability, and are not guaranteed for any specific date or park. Other restrictions apply. Attractions, experiences, entertainment and offerings may be modified, limited in availability, or unavailable, and are subject to change or cancellation without notice. Please check Disneyland.com for entertainment performance times, which may vary. Haunted Mansion Holiday is inspired by “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.” ### About the Disneyland Resort The Disneyland Resort, in Anaheim, Calif., features two spectacular theme parks – Disneyland (the original Disney theme park) and Disney California Adventure Park – plus three hotels and the Downtown Disney District, comprising unique dining, shopping and opportunities to explore. The Resort’s hotels are the luxurious, 948-room Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, which also features 50 two-bedroom equivalent Disney Vacation Club units; the magical, 973-room Disneyland Hotel – both AAA Four Diamond properties – and the 481-room Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel with its “day-at-the-beach” theme. For information on attractions and vacations at the Disneyland Resort, visit Disneyland.com, call (866) 43-DISNEY or contact local travel agents. For additional information on the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort, Click Here. Click any picture for a larger view and description All photos: David Nguyen/Disneyland Resort LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (July 12, 2021) – Beginning Nov. 12, festive entertainment, whimsical décor, seasonal food and drinks, special merchandise and more will all be a part of the 2021 holiday season across Walt Disney World Resort. Here is a first look at the merrymaking to come this year as part of “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” honoring the resort’s 50th anniversary. Magic Kingdom Park
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Disney Springs
EPCOT
Six Flags Great Adventure’s Holiday in the Park® and Drive-Thru Experience® to Deliver More Seasonal Sparkle and Festive Entertainment Than Ever Before Great Adventure will debut new rides, light shows, characters, and delicious holiday treats in 2021 Jackson, NJ — November 4, 2021 — Six Flags Great Adventure’s spectacular winter festival, Holiday in the Park, will shine brighter than ever with millions of glittering lights, festive foods, thrilling, new rides, and holiday entertainment. Holiday in the Park Drive-Thru Experience, which debuted in 2020, will return by popular demand. From November 13, 2021 through January 9, 2022, the World’s Ultimate Thrill Park will transform into an eye-popping winter wonderland. This immersive and enchanting holiday experience will offer guests two ways to experience the joy of the holidays. Coordinated sights, sounds, scents, and attractions will give each section a distinct character. The events are included with all active Memberships and Season Passes. “Holiday in the Park and our Drive-Thru Experience deliver world-class entertainment for all ages and unparalleled thrills that only Six Flags Great Adventure can provide,” said Park President John Winkler. “Both events provide a way for families to enjoy the spirit of the holidays while making lasting memories together.” Opening for its seventh season, Holiday in the Park will debut new attractions in 2021:
Signature Holiday in the Park attractions will return, including Frost, an icy cirque spectacular in the Showcase Theatre; Holiday Magic: A Celebration of the Season, an LED light show on the park’s five-story tree; festive fire pits for toasting s’mores; holiday eats like hot turkey platters, seasonal beers, and spiked egg nog; holiday photo opportunities; the Royal Court including Snow Queen, Peppermint Princess, and more; and Joy to the World, a tranquil pathway of warmly lit trees, luminaries, and stained glass showcasing religious holidays from around the world. Six Flags will continue to offer two opportunities to give to those less fortunate. The Holiday Friends plush toy program will donate one adorable plush for every plush purchased, and the Holiday Craze Mirror Maze will give $1 of each pass purchased to local college scholarship foundations. Holiday in the Park will operate Nov. 13 & 14, 20 & 21, 26 to 28; Dec. 4 & 5, 11 & 12, 17 to 19, 23, and Dec. 26 to Jan. 2. Holiday in the Park Special Events Holiday Wine Fest, Nov. 13 and 14 – Guests can enjoy a weekend of coasters, cuisine, and crafters during the second-annual Holiday Wine Fest. During this memorable special event in the Merry Market Place, guests can sample locally produced wines from 12 New Jersey vineyards, scrumptious eats from food trucks and specialty vendors, and get a head start on their holiday shopping with homemade gifts from local artisans. This event has limited capacity and is expected to sell out. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit https://www.sixflags.com/greatadventure/events/wine-fest Holiday Food Drive, Nov. 20 and 21 – Six Flags will collect non-perishable food items to benefit Fulfill. Fulfill’s mission is to alleviate hunger and build food security in Monmouth & Ocean Counties and to make sure that all people have access to enough nutritious food to maintain an active and healthy life. Guests who bring at least six items between the hours of 1 and 4 pm will receive a free ticket to the Holiday Craze Mirror Maze. Donations will be collected in the theme park’s outer mall prior to park entry. Requested items include canned goods, cereal bars, fruit cups, individual servings of mac & cheese, baby food, and juice boxes. All items must have their original seal or wrapper, and not require refrigeration. Learn more about Fulfill at www.fulfillnj.org New Year’s Eve Fireworks – Fireworks and festive music will ring in the New Year Dec. 31 at 9 pm in A Main Street Christmas, free with park admission. Holiday in the Park Drive-Thru Experience Returning for its second season, Holiday in the Park Drive-Thru Experience will offer guests – and family pets – a unique way to experience the beauty of one of the world’s largest theme parks from the warmth, privacy, and comfort of their own vehicles. The Drive-Thru Experience will operate select days Nov. 15, 2021 through Jan. 9, 2022. Reservations for this journey are required, and consumer cars, SUVs and pickup trucks are welcome. Large and commercial vehicles are not permitted – exclusions are available on sixflags.com. The Drive-Thru Experience will debut new attractions in 2021:
Holiday in the Park Drive-Thru Experience will operate Nov. 15 to 19, 22 to 25, and 29 & 30; Dec. 1 to 3, 6 to 10, 13 to 16, 20 to 22, 24 & 25, and Jan. 3 to 9. Six Flags exclusively accepts card and mobile payments including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Apple Pay, Google Pay and debit transactions. In-park guests can convert cash to a prepaid debit card at one of multiple kiosks located throughout the park. The prepaid card can be used anywhere in the U.S. where VISA is accepted. Six Flags meets or exceeds federal, state, and local guidelines for COVID-19 safety. Currently, masks are highly recommended for unvaccinated guests. More information about Holiday in the Park and the Drive-Thru Experience is available at www.sixflags.com/greatadventure Rides, entertainment, events are weather permitting. About Six Flags Entertainment Corporation Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is the world’s largest regional theme park company and the largest operator of waterparks in North America, with 27 parks across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. For 60 years, Six Flags has entertained millions of families with world-class coasters, themed rides, thrilling waterparks and unique attractions. Six Flags is committed to creating an inclusive environment that fully embraces the diversity of our team members and guests. For more information, visit www.sixflags.com. About Six Flags Great Adventure, Wild Safari and Hurricane Harbor Six Flags Great Adventure is the World’s Largest Thrill Park with world-class, world-renowned rides like Kingda Ka, Nitro, and Jersey Devil Coaster. The park offers two areas just for the littlest guests and great family rides for the whole family, plus entertainment, shopping, and a wide variety of dining options. Its Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure is one of the largest self-guided drive-through safari outside of Africa and gets guests up-close to more than 1,200 animals from around the globe in the privacy of their own vehicles. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor is one of the Northeast’s largest waterparks with more than 25 refreshing attractions for the whole family. www.sixflags.com/greatadventure |
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