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==Television== |
==Television== |
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Television series filmed at Sea World include the Australian children's programmes ''[[Toasted TV]]'' (since early 2007) and ''[[H2O: Just Add Water|H<sub>2</sub>O: Just Add Water]]''. ''[[The Shak]]'' was originally set at Sea World before being moved to [[WhiteWater World]].<ref name="wwwshak">WhiteWater World - The SHAK. Retrieved on 13-09-2009 from [http://whitewaterworld.com.au/content/www_2008_standard.asp?name=WWW_Shak WhiteWater World's official website].</ref> |
Television series filmed at Sea World include the Australian children's programmes ''[[Toasted TV]]'' (since early 2007) and ''[[H2O: Just Add Water|H<sub>2</sub>O: Just Add Water]]''. ''[[The Shak]]'' was originally set at Sea World before being moved to [[WhiteWater World]].<ref name="wwwshak">WhiteWater World - The SHAK. Retrieved on 13-09-2009 from [http://whitewaterworld.com.au/content/www_2008_standard.asp?name=WWW_Shak WhiteWater World's official website].</ref> |
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==Dolphin capture controversy== |
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In response to criticism leveled at Sea World and other marine parks by the award-winning documentary film ''[[The Cove (film)|The Cove]]'' which accuses them of obtaining dolphins obtained in [[Dolphin drive hunting|drive hunts]], Sea World spokesperson Fred Jacobs stated that, "We think we're being unfairly criticized for something we're opposed to." <ref name="Salon">{{Citation |
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| last = Mieszkowski |
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| first = Katharine |
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| title = Dolphins Are Dying to Amuse Us |
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| newspaper = Salon |
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| date = 7 August 2009 |
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| url = http://www.salon.com/news/environment/feature/2009/08/07/the_cove_dolphins |
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| accessdate = 7 June 2011}} |
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</ref> He adds that, "SeaWorld opposes the dolphin hunts documented in The Cove. We do not purchase any animals from these hunts. More than 80 percent of the marine mammals in our care were born in our parks. We haven't collected a dolphin from the wild in decades." <ref name="Oprah">{{Citation |
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| title = The Cove's Shocking Discovery |
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| newspaper = The Oprah Winfrey Show |
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| date = 22 April 2010 |
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| url = http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Filmmakers-Reveal-Dolphin-Slaughter-in-The-Cove/5 |
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| accessdate = 7 June 2011}} |
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</ref> Since 1993 there have been no permits issued to facilities in the United States to import dolphins acquired through drive hunt methods. <ref>{{Cite web |
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| last = Rose |
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| first = Naomi A. |
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| coauthors = E.C.M. Parsons, and Richard Farinato |
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| title = The Case Against Marine Mammals in Captivity |
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| publisher = The Humane Society of the United States and the World Society for the Protection of Animals |
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| date = 2009 |
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| url = http://www.wspa-international.org/Images/159_the_case_against_marine_mammals_in_captivity_english_2009_tcm25-8409.pdf |
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| accessdate = 7 June 2011}}</ref> Marilee Menard, the executive director of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, has also stated that she believes that ''The Cove'' filmmakers are "misrepresenting that the majority of zoos and aquariums with dolphins around the world are taking these animals." <ref name="Salon" /> |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
Revision as of 23:02, 7 June 2011
Sea World Logo | |
Location | Southport, Queensland, Australia |
---|---|
Coordinates | 27°57′21″S 153°25′33″E / 27.9559°S 153.4257°E |
Opened | 30 October 1971 |
Owner | Warner Village Theme Parks |
Operating season | All year round |
Attractions | |
Total | 15 |
Roller coasters | 2 |
Water rides | 3 |
Website | Official website |
Sea World is a marine mammal park, oceanarium, and theme park located on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. It includes rides, animal exhibits and other attractions, and promotes conservation through education and through the rescue and rehabilitation of sick, injured or orphaned wildlife. The park is commercially linked to Warner Bros. Movie World and Wet'n'Wild Water World as part of the Warner Village Theme Parks division of Village Roadshow.
History
Park history
Sea World was founded by Keith Williams in 1958. It was originally known as the Surfers Paradise Ski Gardens, which presented “water ski shows that combined comedy, aqua ballet and action”. In 1971, the Surfers Paradise Ski Gardens moved to land on the Spit. Major dredging works were required to build the new ski lake. A year later, the Surfers Paradise Ski Gardens became known as Sea World with the introduction of dolphins, marine displays, a replica of the Endeavour, a swimming pool, licensed restaurant and gift shop. Extra additions over the next decade included the purchasing of competitor marine park, Marineland, and the transfer of animals and exhibits to Sea World as well as the addition of more shops and food outlets.[1]
Attraction history
- In 1975, the Sea World train opened. "The train is a two-third scale replica of Queensland's famous number 6A10, which is now on display at the Queensland Railway Museum. The ride was designed and built by Sea World."[2]
- In 1978, the first major ride was added to Sea World. The Viking's Revenge Flume Ride opened.[1] This ride was custom-built at a cost of $350,000.[3]
- In 1981, the park's first roller-coaster opened. Originally known as the Wild Wave Rollercoaster, it was accompanied by the Pirate Ship and Carousel.[1] The Wild Wave Rollercoaster changed its name to the Thrillseeker and closed in 2002.[4]
- In 1982, the Corkscrew rollercoaster opened.[1] The ride is an Arrow Dynamics Sitdown Looper and features three inversions.[5]
- In 1986, Australia's first monorail opened, the Sea World Monorail System. This ride features three stations throughout the park.[6]
- In 1987, Sea World welcomed the Water Park and Lassiter’s Lost Mine ride.[1] Lassiter's Lost Mine ride was the second water ride for the park and was made in house.[7]
- In 1989, the Sky High Skyway opened. It features a unique bird's eye view of the park.[8]
- In 1994, Bermuda Triangle opened and replaced Lassiter's Lost Mine ride.[1] It used the same ride system but featured updated ride themeing.[7] Sea World opened the 3D theatre Sea Dream.[1]
- In 1998, Pirates in 3D debuted at the 3D theatre. The film uses "a series of special effects that enables the audience to feel part of the adventure".[1]
- In 1999, Cartoon Network Cartoon Beach opened featuring five children's rides and an interactive water fountain.[1]
- In 2003, Pirates in 3D was replaced with Planet SOS in 4-D. This film features an environmental message presenting the issues of global warming, ocean habitat destruction, and deforestation.[1]
- In 2004, the park opened "Shark Bay". This system of artificial lagoons allows sharks to be viewed from both above water and underwater. Sharks exhibited include large and potentially dangerous tiger sharks and bull sharks.
- In 2005, the ski show received a makeover and became Waterski Wipeout. Also the water park got a makeover with the relocation of The Plunge from Wet'n'Wild Water World.[1]
- In 2006, the Sea World Eye was introduced for a limited time.[1] Swiss manufacturer CWA Constructions built the 60 metre high wheel which featured 42 air-conditioned gondolas.[9]
- In 2007, Sea World introduced Sesame Street Beach. Sesame Street Beach replaced Cartoon Network Cartoon Beach with the addition of a new stage show and a new ride.[10][11]
- In 2008, Jet Rescue opened. Jet Rescue is a motorbike launch coaster made by Intamin which features jet-ski cars. It is themed to a sea-lion rescue.[12] Also 'Ray Reef' opened featuring over 100 rays 'flying and gliding' under the water. It is Sea World's first new wildlife exhibit since 2004.[13]
- In 2009, Sea World updated and renewed several things. In early 2009, the Pirate Ship attraction closed and removed from the park. Waterski Wipeout performed its last show on 20 July. Pirates Unleashed opened on Boxing Day as a replacement.[14] In September, Sea World announced the opening of Ocean Rescue, a new film for their theatre replacing Planet SOS in 4-D.[15][16] A new educational exhibit also opened in 2009 titled Shark Attack which replaced Dugong Discovery.[17] The Corkscrew rollercoaster was rethemed and renamed to become the Sea Viper.
- In 2010, the park closed Shark Attack, the Sea World Aquarium, Ocean Rescue, Bermuda Triangle and part of the Water Park to construct new attractions. In September, Castaway Bay opened in former location of the water park. It is a children's area featuring Sky Fortress (a climbing structure), Sky Climb (a set of high ropes) and Battle Sails (a water battle). Also in September, Ocean Rescue was replaced by Happy Feet 3D Experience.[18] In October, Sea World closed the Bermuda Triangle for routine maintenance before closing the ride permanently. Its replacement is expected to be open by late 2011.[19][20][21][22] Sea World also opened Penguin Encounter, an Antarctic penguin exhibit where Shark Attack And Sea World Aquarium once stood on 26 December 2010.[23][24][25] During the summer school holidays Sea World ran Jet Stunt Extreme as a temporary jet-ski-based stunt show located on the Sea World lake. It operated for a limited season until 23 January 2011. Sea World has noted that it could become a permanent addition depending on the overall success of the show.[26]
The Park
Rides
- Castaway Bay opened in September 2010. It is contains a new children's area featuring Sky Fortress (a climbing structure), Sky Climb (a set of high ropes) and Battle Boats (formerly Battle Sails, an interactive water battle). It is located at the northern half of the Water Park.[23][24]
- Jet Rescue is Sea World's latest roller coaster. The ride is themed around the journey of a Sea World Rescue Team on a mission to save marine life. Riders board a jet ski and race at speeds of up to 70 kilometres per hour (43 miles per hour) around a highly twisted and banked track.[27]
- Sea Viper (originally named the Corkscrew) is the only looping roller coaster at the park and features three inversions.[28] The ride is an Arrow Dynamics sit down looper which opened in 1982. In 2009, the ride had the train replaced and became the Sea Viper.[5]
- Sea World Mono Rail was the first mono rail system in Australia. It allows guests to travel between three stations throughout the park.[29]
- Sesame Street Beach is a themed zone featuring several rides specifically designed for children. The area also features a live show - Bert and Ernie's Island Holiday. The area was originally themed to Cartoon Network with all but one of the current rides. Bert and Ernie's Big Dive, Oscar's Sweep the Beach, Elmo's Sea Subs, Zoe's Sub Splash and The Cookie Monster Cup Carousel all previously existed under different names. Big Bird Bounce was a new attraction for Sesame Street Beach.[30]
- Sky High Skyway offers a unique bird's eye view of the park. The ride takes guests from the top of the park, near the entrance, to the castle which houses the Sea World Theatre.[31]
- Viking's Revenge Flume Ride is a water flume ride.[32] Opening in 1979, this ride was built by Sea World and was Australia's first theme park ride.[3]
Shows
- Bert and Ernie's Island Holiday is a live stage show featuring a full cast of Sesame Street characters in Sesame Street Beach.[30]
- Fish Detectives is the latest incarnation of Sea World's seal show. The show features similar tricks to previous shows with only the storyline and music changing. The show is based around the fish store Alota Baloney, where Big Al is making big profits by catching too many fish. The detective team, made up of humans and sea lions, are on the case to catch Big Al and solve this environmental crime.[33]
- Happy Feet 3-D Experience has replaced the former documentary Ocean Rescue in the Sea World Theatre. Happy Feet 3D has been showing since September 2010.[18]
- Imagine is the latest incarnation of Sea World's dolphin show. The show features similar tricks to previous shows with only the storyline and music changing. The show is set in Dolphin Cove which is the largest sandy bottom lagoon ever built for dolphins containing five different pools and more than 17 million litres of water. Each show caters for 2,500 guests with additional grass seating available.[34]
- Pirates Unleashed replaced the long running ski show in 2009. After initially opening on 19 September, the show only performed for two days before going back to the drawing board.[35] An article in the Gold Coast Bulletin heavily criticised the lack of action and in the new show saying "these pirates won't blow anyone out of the water". The revamped show opened on Boxing Day 2009.[36]
Marine Attractions
- Dolphin Nursery Pool is part of Sea World's highly successful dolphin breeding program which has resulted in dolphin births. The exhibit allows guests to see young dolphins develop under the protective watch of their mothers.[37]
- Penguin Encounter is a 96-square-metre (1,030 sq ft) Antarctic penguin exhibit featuring a 220 cubic metres (7,800 cu ft) pool with under and above water viewing.[23][24]
- Penguin Point is an exhibit featuring Fairy Penguins. Unlike Penguins on Parade, the previous penguin exhibit at Sea World, Penguin Point has a larger, more open style. It contains a variety of substrates including gravel, rock and grass as well as a large pool. The exhibit can house up to 60 penguins.[38]
- Polar Bear Shores is Australia's only Polar Bear exhibit. It was one of the most technologically advanced exhibits for Polar Bears when it opened in 2001. Guests can view the polar bears from three viewing platforms: ground level, underwater and above ground. Currently (2009) there are three polar bears in Polar Bear Shores: Lia, Hudson and Nelson.[39]
- Ray Reef allows guests to meet, feed and learn about one of the ocean's most misunderstood inhabitants. The exhibit features over 100 rays.[13]
- Rescue Point Lighthouse showcases the achievements of Sea World's Research and Rescue Foundation.[40]
- Seabird Rehabilitation Aviary is designed to house birds under care and rehabilitation. According to the official website, "many of the sea birds housed in this area will never return to the wild due to severe disabilities which have been caused mostly by mans’ ignorance and careless ways. For example, we have received pelicans that have had a broken wing from being caught in fishing line. Their wings have since been amputated. Those that recover from their injuries are free to leave at any time."[41]
- Shark Bay is the world's largest man-made lagoon system for sharks. The exhibit consists of three zones allowing for viewing and interaction. The zones include a touch pool, a snorkel and dive lagoon and a shark lagoon. Four 10 x 3 metre windows allows all guests to see the sea life featured in these pools.[42]
Upcharges
- Animal Adventures. For an additional fee, guests can take part in Animal Adventures where they can swim with Sea World's marine life.[43]
- Pedal Boats is an upcharge attraction where guests can board a 2 or 4 person pedal boat and navigate around the former ski lake.[44]
- Sea World Books is Sea World's latest franchise. The franchise offers educational children's books about various marine animals.[45]
- Sea World Cruises and Sea World Whale Watch make use of Sea World's "luxurious cruiser". During the winter months (when whales are travelling up and down the Gold Coast), Sea World operates Whale Watching tours. For the rest of the year, Sea World takes guests on a ride around the calm canals of the Gold Coast.[46][47]
- Sea World Helicopters allow guests to choose between 5 different tours of the Gold Coast ranging from 5 minutes to 30 minutes. For a further additional charge, guests can purchase a souvenir DVD of their flight.[48]
Sea World Resort and Water Park
As the name suggests, Sea World Resort and Water Park is an adjoining Resort and Water Park to Sea World. In 2008, the Sea World Water Park became part of the resort with regular park guests having to pay an additional fee to make use of the water park. More information about the Sea World Resort and Water Park can be found on its official website.[49] In 2010, part of the Water Park was demolished to make way for Castaway Bay.[23][50]
Television
Television series filmed at Sea World include the Australian children's programmes Toasted TV (since early 2007) and H2O: Just Add Water. The Shak was originally set at Sea World before being moved to WhiteWater World.[51]
Dolphin capture controversy
In response to criticism leveled at Sea World and other marine parks by the award-winning documentary film The Cove which accuses them of obtaining dolphins obtained in drive hunts, Sea World spokesperson Fred Jacobs stated that, "We think we're being unfairly criticized for something we're opposed to." [52] He adds that, "SeaWorld opposes the dolphin hunts documented in The Cove. We do not purchase any animals from these hunts. More than 80 percent of the marine mammals in our care were born in our parks. We haven't collected a dolphin from the wild in decades." [53] Since 1993 there have been no permits issued to facilities in the United States to import dolphins acquired through drive hunt methods. [54] Marilee Menard, the executive director of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, has also stated that she believes that The Cove filmmakers are "misrepresenting that the majority of zoos and aquariums with dolphins around the world are taking these animals." [52]
See also
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l History and Development - Sea World. Retrieved from the official website.
- ^ Parkz Database: Sea World Train. Retrieved from the Parkz Database.
- ^ a b Parkz Database: Viking’s Revenge Flume Ride. Retrieved from the Parkz Database.
- ^ Parkz Database: Thrillseeker. Retrieved from the Parkz Database.
- ^ a b Parkz Database: Corkscrew Rollercoaster. Retrieved from the Parkz Database.
- ^ Parkz Database: Sea World Monorail System. Retrieved from the Parkz Database.
- ^ a b Parkz Database: Lassiter’s Lost Mine Ride. Retrieved from the Parkz Database.
- ^ Parkz Database: Sky High Skyway. Retrieved from the Parkz Database.
- ^ Parkz Database: Sea World Eye. Retrieved from the Parkz Database.
- ^ Sesame Street Beach - Sea World. Retrieved from the official website.
- ^ Parkz Database: Sesame Street Beach. Retrieved from the Parkz Database.
- ^ Parkz Database: Jet Rescue. Retrieved from the Parkz Database.
- ^ a b Ray Reef | Sea World. Retrieved on 28.09.09 from the official website. Cite error: The named reference "rayreef" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
- ^ Wiped out by an act of piracy. Retrieved on 13.09.09 from the Gold Coast Bulletin.
- ^ Ocean Rescue | Sea World. Retrieved on 13.09.09 from the official website.
- ^ Planet SOS in 4-D. Retrieved on 13.09.09 from the official website.
- ^ Shark Attack | Sea World. Retrieved on 24.09.09 from the official website.
- ^ a b School Holiday Fun Guide (12 September 2010). The Sunday Mail.
- ^ Messenger, Jordan (22 November 2010). "Bermuda Triangle The Ride – RIP 1994 to 2010". GC Guy. Retrieved 23 November 2010.
- ^ "Attractions Maintenance - Sea World". MyFun. Archived from the original on 23 November 2010. Retrieved 23 November 2010.
- ^ "Attraction Maintenance". MyFun. Archived from the original on 3 December 2010. Retrieved 3 December 2010.
- ^ "What is happening..." Facebook. 3 December 2010. Retrieved 4 December 2010.
- ^ a b c d Promotional Cover for the Gold Coast Bulletin by Warner Village Theme Parks. Retrieved on 26.06.10 from Gold Coast Bulletin.
- ^ a b c "3 new attractions for Gold Coast theme parks". Gold Coast Bulletin. 14 July 2010. Retrieved 14 July 2010.
- ^ "Attractions Maintenance - Sea World". MyFun. Retrieved 1 September 2010. [dead link]
- ^ Elder, Jessica (15 December 2010). "Sea World's jet-powered summer thrills". Gold Coast Bulletin. Retrieved 19 December 2010.
- ^ Jet Rescue | Sea World. Retrieved on 24-09-2009 from the official website.
- ^ Sea Viper | Sea World. Retrieved on 27-12-2009 from the official website.
- ^ Sea World Mono Rail | Sea World. Retrieved on 24-09-2009 from the official website.
- ^ a b Sesame Street Beach | Sea World. Retrieved on 24-09-2009 from the official website.
- ^ Sky High Skyway | Sea World. Retrieved on 24-09-2009 from the official website.
- ^ Viking's Revenge Flume Ride | Sea World. Retrieved on 24.09.09 from the official website.
- ^ Fish Detectives | Sea World. Retrieved on 28-09-2009 from the official website.
- ^ Imagine | Sea World. Retrieved on 28-09-2009 from the official website.
- ^ Sea World's new show sours. Retrieved on 28.09.09 from the Gold Coast Bulletin.
- ^ These pirates won't blow anyone out of the water. Retrieved on 28-09-2009 from the Gold Coast Bulletin.
- ^ Dolphin Nursery Pool | Sea World. Retrieved on 30-09-2009 from the official website.
- ^ Penguin Point | Sea World. Retrieved on 30-09-2009 from the official website.
- ^ Polar Bear Shores | Sea World. Retrieved on 30-09-2009 from the official website.
- ^ Rescue Point Lighthouse | Sea World. Retrieved on 30-09-2009 from official website: [1].
- ^ Seabird Rehabilitation Aviary | Sea World. Retrieved on 28-09-2009 from the official website.
- ^ Shark Bay | Sea World. Retrieved on 30.09.09 from official website.
- ^ Get up close and personal with marine animals on your family holiday at Sea World | Sea World. Retrieved on 13.06.10 from the official website.
- ^ Splash-out with Sea World's All New Pedal Boats! | Sea World. Retrieved on 30-09-2009 from the official website.
- ^ Sea World Books | Sea World. Retrieved on 13.06.10 from the official website.
- ^ Sea World Cruises | Sea World. Retrieved on 13.06.10 from the official website.
- ^ Sea World Whale Watch | Sea World. Retrieved on 13.06.10 from the official website.
- ^ Sea World Helicopters | Sea World. Retrieved on 13.06.10 from the official website.
- ^ Sea World Resort unveils new water park master plan. Retrieved on 13.06.10 from MyFun Media Centre.
- ^ Castaway Bay Construction Aerial. Retrieved on 06.05.10 from NearMap.
- ^ WhiteWater World - The SHAK. Retrieved on 13-09-2009 from WhiteWater World's official website.
- ^ a b Mieszkowski, Katharine (7 August 2009), "Dolphins Are Dying to Amuse Us", Salon, retrieved 7 June 2011
- ^ "The Cove's Shocking Discovery", The Oprah Winfrey Show, 22 April 2010, retrieved 7 June 2011
- ^ Rose, Naomi A. (2009). "The Case Against Marine Mammals in Captivity" (PDF). The Humane Society of the United States and the World Society for the Protection of Animals. Retrieved 7 June 2011.
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