SeaWorld Rescue

Over the course of Spring Break, I got to do a lot of fun things. I went on my second or third vacation alone, making sure to plan a multitude of activities to do in Orlando, FL. Why Orlando? Because I know that to be my future home. I study animal behavior and love working with them. After an internship here and there, I plan to move to the tourist city to pursue a career as a trainer with the recently controversial SeaWorld. 

I had an amazing adventure there. I spent three days visiting the Universal theme parks and seeing what they had to offer. It is almost tempting to just spend a few months working at the park as an entertainer, so tempting I just may do it. It was fun to ride the rides, but it was also just so much fun to see the shows offered. I saw an array of characters: The Simpsons, Marilyn Monroe, Lucille Ball, and even dinosaurs. The highlight for myself of the characters I saw were, of course, The Blues Brothers. Obviously these were just actors, but it was exciting nonetheless. 

  The Bluesmobile. As a little girl growing up, and partially today as well, I had a huge crush on Elwood Blues. Tall, skinny, awkward, and at the same time suave. I’ve loved blues music ever since I was little, after seeing the Blues Brothers movie. 

 RAWHIDE! Raptor Encounter at Islands of Adventure
But the best part of my trip wasn’t about the rides. It was about the animals. The main reason I was in Florida, was to work with one of the most well known parks in the world. SeaWorld. I got to work with the rescue team and help with the different species at the park.

Now, before I talk about my time there, I want to address the elephant in the room. Some of you may think that SeaWorld is cruel and abusive thanks to a documentary called Blackfish. THIS IS NOT TRUE. Blackfish relies on lies and stretched truths. I cannot provide much proof other than saying I’ve seen how the park operates, and I know how much care goes into their animals. Please be respectful.

Now that’s out of the way, it was the best way I’ve spent spring break. I got to work with the rescue animals and feed the orphans that the park was rehabilitating. I also got to work with a few of the animals there, and found my two favorite animals there. A 16 year old beluga whale cow named Whisper from the Chicago Shedd Aquarium, and an older (unknown age) male harbor seal named Bumstead. 

 Myself and the 16 year old beluga cow, Whisper

  
  Myself and Bumstead, who owns the cameraI assisted with educational groups, going back and teaching them and giving them hands on experience with the harbor seas, belugas, and even our female walrus, Kaboodle.

These animals were happy and healthy, and I’m so lucky to have gotten the chance to work with them. They are taken good care of.

This might be a jumbled post – it is my first after all. I just wanted to share a bit about my experiences during spring break to see how this works, and hopefully write better pieces in the future. Thanks for reading!