At the Sea World parks, in Florida, interaction with animals and technology drive environmental awareness
Text and photos by Laís Clemente.
The place is not full, but the 15 people present watch the spectacle with attention. On stage, a surgical procedure is at its end. Two assistants help the veterinarian while he finishes the consult. The patient: Penny, a female Canguru with a broken leg. A glass separates us from the place where the action takes place. The doctor answers the audience's questions through a headset microphone that is with him throughout the procedure. When the work is done Kelly, one of the assistants, brings the pet closer to the glass and everyone gather around to see it up close. It’s only by hearing the sighs and applauses that a distracted bystander could identify that we are not vet students: we are tourists. Procedures such as this happen every day at the Busch Garden’s Animal Care Centre in Tampa, Florida. The office’s schedule is exposed so that the tourists know when to drop by. Inaugurated in January, the space is one of the initiatives of the Sea World Parks to bring animals and tourists closer.
Appointment finished, we proceed to the next room, where cooking classes are held. The ingredients for today’s dish: pine, peanut butter, grapes and…maggots? Although indigestible for the human stomach, the food is a delicacy to the park's animals. The student body for this class is composed of kids of nine or ten years. All properly uniformed, with orange shirts that identify them as part of the Sea World Camp, a program offered during school break.
A healthy change for a high tech generation that rarely knows that its morning milk doesn’t come from a box. That does not mean that the grown-ups are any more intimate with nature. One can notice that just by looking at the sparkling eyes of mothers and fathers while feeding dolphins or caressing giraffes.
Rare species
The big-necked members of the animal kingdom can be seen in one of the safari’s at Busch Gardens. In nature, the giraffes would run from the Jeep that transports us. Here Jafari, one of the parks 17 giraffes, promptly comes closer. The affection comes with a catch. What she really wants are the lettuce leaves we carry. The trip can last from 40 minutes up to a whole day – and depending on availability, with Spanish speaking guides. If it wasn’t for the size, Jafari could be one of the 126 ambassadors, docile animals from endangered species that make surprise appearances on all of the group’s parks. Aline Delucia, one of the parks biologist’s , explains that to be an ambassador, it is not enough to be an exotic creature, it’s rather something that “depends on the message we want to send”. Raised by humans and already used to flashes, the chosen ones are always accompanied by their trainers, who tell the public whether they can feed or pet the animals.
The other giraffes observe us from a distance, as if wondering whether they can trust us or not. After a lot of petting and some wet giraffe kisses, we see some Di Grant zebras and rhinos. The last of them is highly wanted by hunters for its horn, a part of the body that is 100% keratin. The same substance can be found on hair and has a painless removal. But, because the delicacy is seen as an aphrodisiac, hunters kill the animal just for its horns, used for teas and soups.
The big-necked members of the animal kingdom can be seen in one of the safari’s at Busch Gardens. In nature, the giraffes would run from the Jeep that transports us. Here Jafari, one of the parks 17 giraffes, promptly comes closer. The affection comes with a catch. What she really wants are the lettuce leaves we carry. The trip can last from 40 minutes up to a whole day – and depending on availability, with Spanish speaking guides. If it wasn’t for the size, Jafari could be one of the 126 ambassadors, docile animals from endangered species that make surprise appearances on all of the group’s parks. Aline Delucia, one of the parks biologist’s , explains that to be an ambassador, it is not enough to be an exotic creature, it’s rather something that “depends on the message we want to send”. Raised by humans and already used to flashes, the chosen ones are always accompanied by their trainers, who tell the public whether they can feed or pet the animals.
The other giraffes observe us from a distance, as if wondering whether they can trust us or not. After a lot of petting and some wet giraffe kisses, we see some Di Grant zebras and rhinos. The last of them is highly wanted by hunters for its horn, a part of the body that is 100% keratin. The same substance can be found on hair and has a painless removal. But, because the delicacy is seen as an aphrodisiac, hunters kill the animal just for its horns, used for teas and soups.
Experience zone
While observing rhinos and zebras from a close distance can be thrilling, it is hard to find an adjective to describe the experiences that happen on Discovery Cove, a park that is often described as of been specialized in experiences. The most famous among them happens with the dolphins, with which one can swim and feed. An encounter to remember. A typical day for the friendly animal has a workload of 45 minutes, food stamp (minimum of one sardine per trick made) and the freedom to come and go as they please.
Another marine animal is the focus of the newest attraction from Sea World, the park that gave its name to the North American chain. Here, it is technology that brings us closer to the real experience. On a movie screen in planetarium shape, we are taken to a journey in three dimensions, seeing the world through the eyes of a turtle: from the breaking of the shell, through the race to the sea and the escape from the predators… whether natural or not. Dan Conklin, one of the specialists in turtles of the park, tells me that the trash thrown in the sea is the main cause of injuries amongst the animals rescued by the Conservation Fund Sea World and Busch Gardens. The project has already rescued 20 thousand animals, such as birds, manatees and turtles. Most of them is treated and given back to nature, but the ones that are too damaged to go back to their natural environment are adopted by Sea World. The visitors can also contribute to the project: when purchasing the entrance ticket, we have the option of donating part of the amount or making a contribution on the group’s website.
While observing rhinos and zebras from a close distance can be thrilling, it is hard to find an adjective to describe the experiences that happen on Discovery Cove, a park that is often described as of been specialized in experiences. The most famous among them happens with the dolphins, with which one can swim and feed. An encounter to remember. A typical day for the friendly animal has a workload of 45 minutes, food stamp (minimum of one sardine per trick made) and the freedom to come and go as they please.
Another marine animal is the focus of the newest attraction from Sea World, the park that gave its name to the North American chain. Here, it is technology that brings us closer to the real experience. On a movie screen in planetarium shape, we are taken to a journey in three dimensions, seeing the world through the eyes of a turtle: from the breaking of the shell, through the race to the sea and the escape from the predators… whether natural or not. Dan Conklin, one of the specialists in turtles of the park, tells me that the trash thrown in the sea is the main cause of injuries amongst the animals rescued by the Conservation Fund Sea World and Busch Gardens. The project has already rescued 20 thousand animals, such as birds, manatees and turtles. Most of them is treated and given back to nature, but the ones that are too damaged to go back to their natural environment are adopted by Sea World. The visitors can also contribute to the project: when purchasing the entrance ticket, we have the option of donating part of the amount or making a contribution on the group’s website.
At a distance
The animals that represent a real danger, classified with the number one, don’t have any contact with visitors. In this category are the cheetahs. Recently, they got an exclusive space, one of the most visited areas. The animals also have their name on a roller-coaster: the Cheetah Hunt, which mimics the movements of the animal when searching for food. The attraction is only one on the various roller-coasters that capture the tourist’s attention. Each and every one of them offers a different type of adrenaline: speed, simulation of flight, of free fall… Much like Hollywood, that becomes each year more censorial, on the Sea World parks seeing is not enough. The real experience has to be touched, felt, lived.
More information:
In order to visit all the parks mentioned, you can buy an entrance to the Discovery Cove, which grants you a 14 day unlimited access to Sea World and Aquatica. From US$ 229 to US$ 329, depending on the season. With an extra US$ you can add Busch Gardens to the list. Individual tickets to the Sea World and Busch Gardens cost US$ 84,99 each (US$ 76,99 for children). The Busch Gardens safaris have an extra cost and last from 40 minutes up to a whole day. Prices vary from US$ 33,95 up to US$ 249,95.
Sea World Parks & Entertainment: http://www.seaworldparks.com
In order to visit all the parks mentioned, you can buy an entrance to the Discovery Cove, which grants you a 14 day unlimited access to Sea World and Aquatica. From US$ 229 to US$ 329, depending on the season. With an extra US$ you can add Busch Gardens to the list. Individual tickets to the Sea World and Busch Gardens cost US$ 84,99 each (US$ 76,99 for children). The Busch Gardens safaris have an extra cost and last from 40 minutes up to a whole day. Prices vary from US$ 33,95 up to US$ 249,95.
Sea World Parks & Entertainment: http://www.seaworldparks.com
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