SeaWorld rocked my world as a kid–or was it Marine Land? The aquatic animal parks are what made me want to be a marine biologist for years and years. For every argument about animals kept in captivity and animals put on “show” there is it corresponding argument that conservation of species as well as study and health innovations that happens in marine parks, zoos, and aquariums, better guarantees the future of the same species in the wild.
What I know, is the access, as a kid, to get close to dolphins and orcas and sea turtles and manatees was a profound experience for me–and made me an advocate for marine mammals.
Sea World has a program, SeaWorld Cares, where children’s admission price tickets are 100% donated to one of three conservation charities (until the end of 2010). The partner organizations are great ones: National Wildlife Federation, World Wildlife Fund, and The SeaWorld Busch Gardens Conservation Fund. Five bucks for a children’s ticket–and the potential to inspire a lifetime of advocacy in your kid. Now THAT’S a summer destination to book now.
Change by Doing 