by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 10:05 AM ET, Tue May 23, 2023
SeaWorld Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, the first SeaWorld theme park outside of the U.S., officially opened this February, along with its Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue facility.
The marine life theme park is also the first of its kind in the United Arab Emirates. The theme park, as well as the rescue center, are animal welfare certified by Global Humane.
SeaWorld Yas Island spans five indoor levels and takes guests on a global marine expedition, from the Arctic and Antarctica to the tropics, with eight different realms featuring marine life from these important regions, including the Abu Dhabi Ocean region. Other realms include MicroOcean, Tropical Ocean and Rocky Point.
Throughout the park, guests will experience 20 strolling characters and performances, 17 dining outlets and 13 retail shops.
"It's a momentous day for our fans and for us at SeaWorld as we see the culmination of years of intensive planning and collaboration with our partners at Miral to bring to the region our mission of experiences that matter, and inspiring guests to protect animals and the wild wonders of our world," said Marc Swanson, CEO of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. "With the innovation, dynamic animal habitats and immersive nature of this park, we are bringing a next-generation experience to an entirely new region of the world that is very exciting to visit and enjoy."
Each exhibit provides a welfare-focused approach that simulates the animals’ natural environments.
Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane said, "Our first certification in the region provides an opportunity to recognize the extensive reach of the animal welfare movement at zoos, aquariums, and conservation parks around the world. We are thrilled that SeaWorld has met the standards to become Global Humane Certified in this region, joining their sister parks in the U.S. that have long exemplified a high standard of animal care."
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