SeaWorld to double size of whale tanks after backlash
Embattled SeaWorld Entertainment has announced plans to double the size of the killer whale enclosures at its parks.
Dubbed the Blue World project, it will open first in San Diego in 2018 and then follow in Orlando, Florida, and in San Antonio, Texas.
New tanks will measure 50 feet deep and 350 feet in length, and be filled with 10 million gallons of water.
The move has been planned a long time and is not directly related to the ‘Blackfish’ film controversy, the company says.
The improvements do not go far enough for some of SeaWorld’s most vocal critics.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals’ Jared Goodman said the move "will not save the company."
Despite the backlash in the US with falling revenues, SeaWorld intends to press ahead with international expansion.
CEO Jim Atchison announced a tie-up with Village Roadshow Media to develop new parks overseas.
A Letter of Intent has been signed to bring SeaWorld branded theme parks to Asia, Russia and India.
After Southwest Airlines ended a 25-year co-branding partnership recently, SeaWorld said it would concentrate on growing markets such as Asia and Latin America.
"Turning to our international efforts, we continue to make significant progress in our plans to expand our theme parks outside the US, said Atchison.
"This agreement, along with our previously announced Memorandum of Understanding with our partner in the Middle East, creates exciting opportunities to extend our brands beyond our domestic borders," Atchison added.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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