SeaWorld CEO Joel Manby has confirmed the operator’s commitment to becoming an orca-free enterprise, telling shareholders that the company would not even consider having killer whales in any of its international endeavours.
SeaWorld’s largest shareholder, Blackstone,
recently sold its 21 per cent stake in the theme park operator to Chinese investors Zhonghong Zhuoye Group, with the deal including an agreement to develop future themed entertainment destinations, including theme parks, waterparks and FECs across Asia.
Having already made a commitment to end orca captivity at its parks in the US and announcing that its Abu Dhabi venture on Yas Island would
be its first orca-free park, Manby said definitively that SeaWorld would not be using the animals for any of its international ventures.
When asked if SeaWorld would consider having orcas in its international parks, Manby replied “no”.
“As far as going into China, we will have one brand worldwide,” he said, speaking during an earnings call. “We've talked in detail with the new board members and the new owners. They know our strategy. They support it. Many of the animal issues that have happened in the US are already happening there.
“In China, we will be a leader in that cause. We will be ahead of the curve, not in the middle of the tip of the spear, so to speak. We know our direction and so do our partners.”
SeaWorld has recently started negotiations to bring its presence to Asia, specifically in China, Hong Kong and Macau. According to the operator, the consulting and review process will take three years, with a park coming up in the next five to seven years.
“The Middle East and Asia are both very interested in expanding SeaWorld as a capital light business strategy with low start up costs. It fits with our resources and what we can do,” said Manby. “So we're very excited.”
SeaWorld is currently working to reposition its brand from animal entertainment to ‘Experiences that Matter’, addressing challenges such as the
Blackfish backlash, delivering distinct guest experiences that are fun and meaningful, pursuing organic and strategic revenue growth and finally improving financial discipline.
