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SeaWorld Sees Small Gains In Attendance, Revenue
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.
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