SeaWorld Secretly Shipped ‘Rescued’ Dolphins To New Abu Dhabi Marine Park

SeaWorld has reportedly shipped 24 dolphins, including two “rescued” individuals, to its new Abu Dhabi location for display. Animal rights organization PETA has called out SeaWorld for this move, especially since one of the dolphins, Alice, was artificially inseminated and had two calves while at SeaWorld San Antonio. PETA is calling for healthy dolphins to be released to sanctuaries instead of being used for entertainment.

SeaWorld’s new Abu Dhabi park, set to open in 2023, will feature over 150 species of marine life, with dolphin shows likely to be a popular attraction. However, PETA is skeptical of the true cost of these shows, especially since it was revealed that animals are deprived of food before performances to ensure good shows. Keeping dolphins in unnaturally small enclosures and subjecting them to stress and psychological damage is a concern for animal rights activists who advocate for their release to coastal sanctuaries.