The First SeaWorld Outside of the US is Opening in the Middle East... and There'll Be No Orcas

SeaWorld is known for its iconic Orca whales but in recent times the park has come under fire from animal activists for its unethical breeding program. Despite a decline in visitors and jobs across its 12 parks in the United States, the brand is opening its first one outside of the country in 2022, next stop Abu Dhabi.

This time around there will be no Orcas, but there will be an animal rehabilitation and rescue center including an area for research and educating guests on ocean conservation. There have been plenty of rumors about the possibility of a SeaWorld opening in the region, now it will join the likes of Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld and an upcoming Warner Bros. park on Yas Island.

There's no doubt that the 2013 documentary Blackfish changed people's minds about what goes on at SeaWorld, it tells the tale of a trainer who was killed by an Orca in captivity at the Orlando park in 2010.

What do you think of SeaWorld coming to the Middle East? Learn about what's happening in the videos below: