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HOW HAVE YOU SEEN SEAWORLD’S PROGRAMMING EVOLVE REGARDING ENTERTAINMENT AND EDUCATION?


As we’re about to celebrate our 50th anniversary, it’s easy to see how the external changes in the world – culturally, technologically, guests’ tastes – have really influenced the internal journey for SeaWorld. When you look at the evolution of education and entertainment, they have been poured into the pot from the very beginning – but that look and feel has certainly morphed through the years. We’ve grown in some obvious and powerful ways.


IS THAT BALANCE COMPLICATED?


Absolutely – but it’s a disservice to think that education is purely cognitive and entertainment is purely emotional – they can be a mix. It’s easy to dip into one side quickly– things can be unique, awe-inspiring, take your breath away, make you scream, and put a smile on your face – but you’ve learned nothing. On the other side, we could put a bunch of words on a sign about a particular animal; and if you choose not to read it, then we’ve accomplished nothing.


SHOWS ARE A REALLY UNIQUE COMPONENT AT SEAWORLD. HOW HAVE THOSE EVOLVED?


Tey’re a defining characteristic of SeaWorld, and


gAss Director Of Zoological Communications and Interpretation, Seaworld Parks And Entertainment


they’ve changed radically throughout the years as a reflection of internal and external culture. Tey’re like any time you pull out an old photo album – there are some things you look back on, shake your head, and say, “well I guess that’s how it was!” But shows are an incredible setting where you can engage with animals one-on-one, and you can bring the guests into powerful moments that trigger that emotional connection, so you can directly teach about issues.


DO YOU HAVE ANY GREAT SUCCESS CASES OF THE BLENDING OF EDUCATION AND ENTERTAINMENT?


Turtle Trek. As you leave the theater and come up the ramp, you see real turtles on the right and our game, which is effectively a sign, “Race to the Beach,” on your left. When was the last time you saw people queue up for a sign? Tey do! It’s just the right delivery method – they get to be sea turtles, along with family and friends, and engage in the key moments of the life of a turtle – crisis, choice, celebration – and have a much deeper and greater appreciation for them. Tey walk away knowing about cohabitation, nesting, manmade and natural obstacles – and they’re going to think about them more, maybe consider changing their lifestyle a bit on behalf of the animal. It doesn’t have to be extraordinary changes; but if they pick up a plastic bag while walking down the beach, remembering that interaction, then we’ve succeeded.


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