SeaWorld Orlando promotes animal care, conservation at upcoming Wild Days

Beginning Saturday, Wild Days return to SeaWorld Orlando for the third year. Wild Days are three themed weekends designed to showcase the park’s conservation efforts and inspire guests to get involved in protecting and preserving the Earth’s wild animal population. Included with regular admission are special interactive shows, the opportunity to meet leaders in the world of animal rescue and rehabilitation, and up-close encounters with animals.

For my daughter, Wild Days are a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the animals she wants to one day help. We have made it a point to attend Wild Days each of the past two years. But even if you are not a future marine biologist, the special events make these days worth a visit to the theme park. Here are some of the highlights:

Wild Weekend with Jack Hanna — Jan. 16-17

** See renowned animal expert “Jungle Jack” Hanna at a show at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. at Nautilus Theater. Hanna talks about his unique travels and personal experiences, as well as interacts with animals during his presentation. Visitors can meet Hanna after the show. (This show is indoors, so no need to worry about the weather!) The show is included in regular park admission.

** In addition to Hanna’s shows that are open to all guests, visitors can choose a more intimate gathering with the TV personality and conservationist at a breakfast or a dinner at Sharks Underwater Grill. Both meals include a meet-and-greet with Hanna, a family photo and reserved seating for one of Hanna’s shows. Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday costs $49 for adults and $39 for children ages 3 to 9. Dinner on Saturday is $59 and $49, respectively.

Penguin Lovers Weekend — Jan. 23-24

** SeaWorld Animal Ambassador Julie Scardina talks about her lifelong love of animals and the parks’ commitment to wildlife conservation at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. at Nautilus Theater. Scardina has worked at SeaWorld for more than 30 years, beginning as a trainer with sea lions and otters. In her current role as an animal ambassador, she has traveled to all the continents, including Antarctica, which is home to the greatest number of penguins in the world.

** Meet a Penguin at Glacial Collections, the gift shop in the Antarctica section of the theme park. When my family and I did this last year, we saw a pair of penguins were playing in a small, elevated area in the store. Visitors were asked not to touch the birds, but the setup was great for up-close observation and photos. There was no charge for this interaction.

Sea Rescue Weekend — Jan. 18-19

** SeaWorld has rescued more than 27,000 animals over 50 years, and these amazing animal stories are featured weekly on the popular Saturday-morning ABC TV series “Sea Rescue.” Hear first-hand accounts of marine animal rescues, rehabilitations and returns by SeaWorld’s Animal Rescue Team, heroes and partners featured on the show. This presentation takes place both days at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. at Nautilus Theater.

All three Wild Days weekends feature these additional offerings:

** “Ocean Discovery” killer whale presentation — Guests can learn more about killer whales, also called orcas, and other species of whales during an interactive, 30-minute presentation. “Ocean Discovery” is new this year and different from the daily “One Ocean” shows at Shamu Stadium. (Check a park map for daily times.)

** “Inspiring Stories” pre-shows — Animal trainers describe how caring for SeaWorld’s resident animals has helped with the rescue and rehabilitation of wild animals that need help. “Inspiring Stories” take place at the beginning of three of the park’s popular shows: “Blue Horizons,” “Pets Ahoy” and “Clyde & Seamore’s Sea Lion High.”

** Explore Zones — More than 14 interactive education stations can be discovered throughout the park, featuring games and hands-on experiences that teach guests about animals and what they can do to protect the wild world in their own lives.

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