The story of SeaWorld: from its splashy beginnings to public backlash post-Blackfish. Discover the evolution of this iconic marine park.
I don’t remember SeaWorld without Shamu, but believe it or not, when SeaWorld first opened in San Diego, California, not a single orca (sometimes called killer whales) swam within its gates. Back then, the park focused on unique ocean-inspired attractions and a beautifully designed layout—giving a nod to its early ties with Disneyland. This wasn’t the SeaWorld we’d come to love in the 1980s and 1990s, packed with splashy orca shows and dolphin tricks that defined a classic family day out. And it certainly wasn’t the SeaWorld we’d later scrutinize, even feel anger toward, after the 2013 documentary Blackfish shook public perception.
So, how did SeaWorld go from its bright, marine-themed beginnings in San Diego in the 1960s to becoming a sensation with parks in Orlando, Florida, and San Antonio, Texas, and then to a brand facing worldwide backlash and shifting public views? It may have started with family-friendly fun in mind, but soon enough, greed took the wheel, and ethics went overboard. Can they overcome past mistakes to create a better future by focusing on conservation and education? Only time will tell.
Dive into the fascinating (and sometimes heartbreaking) history of creator George Millay and SeaWorld in the video below:
