SeaWorld Earnings Down 84%; SD Zoo Rescues Pink Floyd-mingo

SeaWorld

SeaWorld continues to face depressed second quarter earnings released Thursday with net income 84% lower than the same period in 2014.

The aquatics theme park and entertainment company has faced decreased attendance and revenues in the fallout from the 2013 movie Blackfish. The production heavily criticized SeaWorld for their practices involving Orca whales. Meanwhile, the San Diego Zoo has performed life-altering surgery on Pink Floyd the Flamingo, a reminder of the animal rescue efforts performed at the zoo and similar efforts at SeaWorld’s San Diego facility.

 

 

 

SeaWorld Entertainment Investor Relations explained the drop in expected earnings on Easter, lots of rain in Texas, and “continued brand challenges in California.” President and Chief Executive Officer of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. Joel Manby said, “These factors were partially offset by improved demand in our other park locations, including Florida.”

The organization had second quarter net income of $5.8 million, a fraction of the $37.4 experienced for the same period in 2014. Of note is that the company launched an aggressive “reputation campaign” this year. Manby says the majority of expenses from that campaign have passed and company leaders assert that they expect further earnings improvement in the remainder of the year.

Community perception of SeaWorld in San Diego varies from supportive to troubled. Comments collected in a 10 News report show some of the wide variation, including those with strong reaction to Blackfish.

PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) has relentlessly slammed SeaWorld, at times teaming up with the ACLU, with aggressive airport ads and support for fellow SeaWorld critics like MTV’s Jackass star Steve-O.

PETA is known for maliciously going after people and organizations it deems not in line with their politics. In late 2013, the organization hammered family-centered show Duck Dynasty and former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin.

The bulk of SeaWorld opposition surrounds its San Diego park, but still many remain supportive of the animal rescue and rehabilitation work done there.

Nearby, the world famous San Diego Zoo garners animal lovers just as SeaWorld’s San Diego park does. Recently, the zoo performed life-changing surgery on a two-left-footed flamingo. Pink Floyd was born with two left feet that wouldn’t support him as he grew, reported 10 News.

One animal trainer told the news outlet that is took around 50 people holding up Floyd constantly, every day for weeks. Floyd is thriving and a favorite of visitors. The zoo calls Floyd one of their biggest success stories.

Follow Michelle Moons on Twitter @MichelleDiana

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