Monday, February 6, 2017

Seaworld


I finally returned to Seaworld after visiting the park once as a kid. Soon the killer whales will be a thing of the past too. Seaworld is phasing them out. This move will undoubtedly bring change to the park. A lot of people will be happy. Although, probably not the trainers. They might be out of work. 



All of the animal shows at Seaworld are designed to thrill and entertain the audience. They do a really good job. My favorite though, was simply the hilarious dog and cat show. I laughed and laughed. All of the parks in Orlando, from Universal to Disney, have one of these shows.  They usually involve birds that swoop over the audience. There might also be a few trap doors, a bell and a whistle, a few surprise guests, a duck on the lam or a pig in the poke. You never really know who or what will turn up. 





An injured beak left this little owl unable to fend for himself. Now, he's doomed to entertain guests. Things could be worse in the unforgiving animal world. 





The penguin enclosure was freezing! And the ride wasn't working. But we still enjoyed seeing the feathered critters at the end. But not smelling them. 







There were lots of less than perfect turtles.






What a face!



Seaworld really is a good time. There's even a few thrill rides. This one was only marginally thrilling. But that's O.K. with me. The ones that are extremely thrilling, like the Hulk Coaster at Universal,  or Cheetah Run at Busch Gardens are almost more than I can handle. Is it fun if you can't even open your eyes?

This post was devoted to life under the sea. But what about life in the other direction? Do you believe in birds? Scratch that and look higher. Do you believe in aliens? If you do I have a great book for you. Over on my other blog, The Chorus of the Crows


The Awesome Links:


15 comments:

DJan said...

As usual, Sharon, your pictures are wonderful. I love that pretty penguin. And I for one am glad that the killer whales will not be used any more. :-)

carol l mckenna said...

Lovely sea life to be seen and great shots ~ I like the turtle ~ ~ thanks,

Wishing you a Happy and Peaceful Week ~ ^_^

Powell River Books said...

I hear owls often, but have never been lucky enough to spot one in the wild. - Margy

Sue (this n that) said...

Hello Sharon, really great to visit Sea World with you. Love the turtles and, oh, that gorgeous owl with the eyebrows going on! Have a great rest of the week :D)

Ruth said...

I heard about SeaWorld. I think the last killer whale show took place in California already. Let's see how they redesign the entire offering of the park. I like the cat and dog show and the sea lions show. That one is hilarious too. #OurWorldTuesday

Spare Parts and Pics said...

Kind of feels like the end of an era. No more killer whales. No more elephants at the circus. Things my kids experienced but my granddaughter will not. Even zoos feel a little strange these days... fun to see the animals but sadness that they are held captive.

Andrea said...

Oh great they are all lovely, but you send me laughing with your caption "what a face", it truly is unusual, hahaha.

DUTA said...

I've been only once in my life at a whale show in Port Elizabeth, South Africa - and was utterly impressed.
The injured little owl in your post has touched a cord in my soul; but as you say there are worse fates in the animal world.

Budget Travel Talk said...

The killer whales are gorgeous. I guess it will be best when they are back in he ocean.

Rachel said...

I have mixed feelings about animal shows. I understand the objections, of course: animals should not be captured and trained (sometimes cruelly) for humans' pleasure. Yet at the same time, many children learn their interest in the natural world through visiting zoos, and in many cases these shows/demonstrations are great income sources for zoos. On balance, I won't be sad to see the dolphin and whale shows end, but when it's an animal like that owl with the broken beak... I mean, otherwise they'll die, and not be available to pique the interest of children.

Jeanna said...

You pose many interesting questions. Life undersea is as fascinating as I can handle. Great photos, especially, I'm assuming, through glass. So very crystal clear. I think it's a good think what they're doing and think the horned owl is better off than trying to fend for itself. Great post.

likeschocolate said...

Love Seaworld but it has had its share of controvery. I have mixed feelings on the subject. While the shows have killed a few trainers. I think they are also great research facilities and teaching tools for all that come to see these specatular animals.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Entertainment for the future generations won't be the same, what with no Barnum and Bailey -- and no wild animals at any circus -- and no Killer Whales at Seaworld. But on balance I think I'm all for the changes. Looks to me like there's still a lot to see and do at SeaWorld. I haven't been there since we took our pre-teen grandchildren (to the one in California) ... those 'kids' are in their 30s now, so it's been a while.

No sci-fi reading for me thank you very much -- life in this Dystopian novel we seem to be living in the midst of is enough challenge for me these days.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

That little owl is adorable. What fuN!

Pat Tillett said...

It must really suck going to the unemployment office now. So many elephants and Killer Whales taking up space in the line...
Great photos Sharon. I love the lips on that big fish.