Opposition to SeaWorld sees its revenue lowered by 95% from 2019

SeaWorld’s revenue is almost 95% less than last year, in part due to COVID-19 and increased public concern for captive marine animals. The United States theme park chain has predicted a second-quarter revenue of $18 million, dropping from $406 million in 2019. Marketwatch has also reported that the company expects attendance in Q2 to have reduced by 6.2 million from last year.

Following the closure of all SeaWorld parks in March amid the coronavirus pandemic, those in Texas and Florida were reopened in June with limited capacity and reduced attractions.

As well as the impact of COVID-19 on the company, SeaWorld has faced public scrutiny over the years for its use of wild animals in entertainment.

In 2013 the documentary Blackfish was released, revealing the heartbreaking story of an orca named Tilikum. The film shows the killer whales psychological torment due to confinement, as well as highlighting SeaWorld’s cruel orca breeding programme.

Seaworld has since ended the programme and has rebranded its events as being educational rather than for entertainment. The public opinion is still divided, however, which perhaps has added to the reduced revenue and attendance from COVID-19.

Article written by Martha Moody- United Kingdom