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SeaWorld Sees Small Gains In Attendance, Revenue

Photo: Michael Lowin, Wikimedia Commons.
Photo: Michael Lowin, Wikimedia Commons.

SeaWorld says it’s seen a small bump in attendance and revenue.

The gains come as the beleaguered theme park company looks to a new chief executive officer and media campaign to rehabilitate its image.

In a conference call with investors Joel Manby, SeaWorld's new chief executive officer, said it's too soon to credit the media campaign for the boost, but the strategy is long-term.

"The more we can make that direct link of supporting SeaWorld helps protect and save animals in the wild, it becomes a different conversation."

Attendance climbed 5 percent and revenue 1 percent compared to the first quarter last year. The company says an earlier Easter holiday drove attendance.

SeaWorld has been under fire since an orca killed a trainer in 2010. The 2013 documentary "Blackfish" suggested the animals' treatment helped lead to her death.

The company launched the media campaign this spring featuring its conservation efforts.

Amy Green covered the environment for WMFE until 2023. Her work included the 2020 podcast DRAINED.