SeaWorld Executives Awarded $6.8 Million In Stock Options During Park Shutdown

With big businesses, closing temporarily around the world, many employees have been furloughed, including for the Orlando theme parks.

This includes SeaWorld, who recently extended the closure of their parks indefinitely.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, SeaWorld has decided to award several top executives $6.8 million in stock options after they were promoted following the departure of the company’s CEO.

According to the filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the company gave out the higher compensation for six executives amid the shutdown “to recognize employees for their extraordinary contributions and continued expected contributions to the Company and its long term goals” during this time.

To get the full amount, the executives will be required to stay with SeaWorld for at least two years. Currently, more than 90% of all employees are on their second week without a paycheck according to the Orlando Sentinel. SeaWorld does not pay for employees’ health insurance during furlough as well.

Do you know anyone affected by the recent theme park furloughs? Let us know in the comments below!