Orlando theme parks are constantly revamping, renovating and adding new shows, attractions and rides so it is no surprise that SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment recently announced a big change coming to their killer whale habitats in the coming years. 
SeaWorld announced last Friday plans to build new killer whale environments at all three SeaWorld parks. The project will double the size of the animals’ current habitats, the first of which will open in SeaWorld San Diego in 2018. 
In a news release, SeaWorld said the new enclosures, called the “Blue World Project” will add 5 million gallons to the killer whale tank and have a maximum depth of 50 feet, surface area of nearly 1.5 acres and spanning more than 350 feet in length, offering the whales more room to swim. Guests will now be able to see even more of these incredible sea creatures thanks to what SeaWorld calls the “world’s largest underwater viewing experience of killer whales.” The area will offer views exceeding 40 feet in height and include a “fast water current” that simulates underwater currents and allows whales to swim across moving water. 
“Through up-close and personal encounters, the new environment will transform how visitors experience killer whales,” said Jim Atchison, CEO and President of SeaWorld Entertainment in a release. “Our guests will be able to walk alongside the whales as if they were at the shore, watch them interact at the depths found in the ocean, or a birds-eye view from above.” In addition to the new killer whale habitats, SeaWorld also announced it will donate $10 million in matching funds for killer whale research as well as start a multi-million dollar partnership focused on ocean health, in which SeaWorld says they will invest hundreds of millions of dollars. 
“For 50 years, SeaWorld has transformed how the world views marine life. The unprecedented access to marine mammals that our parks provide has increased our knowledge of the ocean and inspired generations,” said Atchison. “Our new killer whale homes and research initiatives have just as bold a vision: to advance global understanding of these animals, to educate, and to inspire conservation efforts to protect killer whales in the wild.” SeaWorld has said it will work with environmental experts from the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, National Marine Mammal Foundation and the American Humane Association to build the new habitats. Stay tuned for more details on SeaWorld’s Blue World Project. In the meantime you can check out SeaWorld Orlando’s current killer whale habitats with discounted SeaWorld Orlando tickets right here on Best of Orlando. Orlando, FL -- 08/19/14 By: Jena Pugh | 
