SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment's
Aimée Jeansonn Becka, Director Marketing Communications; & Randy Anger, Director, Canada; with Access Marketing's
Joanne Scalamogna, SeaWorld Parks' PR Representative, Canada; & Prisca Campbell, Social Media & Tourism Promotion Specialist
Antonio Ramirez, Animal Care Specialist with Alfalfa, the Hyrex
Kids were thrilled to meet the furry animal ambassadors.
The King Edward staff & other guests were just as excited.
Christmas came more than a month early for some guests of YTO’s King Edward Hotel last week. SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment and some of its furry animal ambassadors held a hands-on meet and greet for hotel guests and staff. Children squealed with delight as they got to play with Pete and Penny the penguin pair. Adults were also grinning ear-to-ear as these weren’t the usual hotel guests the King Edward is used to hosting.
Along with Pete and Penny, Alfalfa the Hyrex, Darwin the Echidna, Bella the Opossum, Dunder the Asian Small Claws Otter and 10 members of the SeaWorld Parks team were in town on a media tour.
Since the temperature has dropped and Canadians are beginning to plan their winter escape, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is promoting some of its newest attractions and other upcoming exciting elements.
At SeaWorld Orlando, Turtle Trek gives audiences a “turtle’s eye view” in a 3D, 360Ëš film adventure. Guests can also explore tropical landscapes and see small primates at the Freshwater Oasis in Discovery Cove.
At Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, the Animal Care Center allows visitors the opportunity to closely observe veterinary procedures. The colourful and vibrant ice show, Iceploration, has debuted as well.
Coming in spring 2013, SeaWorld Orlando will be home to the new Antarctica: Empire of the Penguins exhibit. This addition will be the largest expansion in SeaWorld Orlando’s history.
With endless attractions fit for the entire family, SeaWorld and Busch Gardens is more than an amusement park and tourist attraction. According to Aimée Jeansonne Becka, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment’s Director of Marketing Communications, they are recognized as the leader of marine mammal care in North America. The organization has rescued more than 20,000 animals in over 4 decades.
“We take animal welfare seriously,” she said. “It is all about fun and entertaining, but education is also very important. We are promoting new products and attractions on this media tour, but then we include information about the animals – some are endangered, so we take the opportunity to spread awareness about that.”
It’s not every day that you get to spend an afternoon meeting new furry friends. As much as the kids enjoyed these close animal encounters, it was clear that the adults were having just as much fun.
The SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment team
