The US theme park chain SeaWorld, mired in controversy in recent years over its treatment of killer whales and other marine mammals, has opened a massive new aquatic life park in the United Arab Emirates, its first outside the United States.The USD 1.2 billion venture with state-owned developer Miral features the world’s largest aquarium and a cylindrical LED screen.
There are no orcas here, but the park houses animals like dolphins and seals, whose captivity and training for profit and entertainment purposes are also often criticised as unethical by animal rights advocacy groups.The new facility, which opened to visitors last month, gives the Orlando, Florida-based company a foothold in a fast-growing international tourism destination and the opportunity to continue its rebranding after years of criticism and allegations of animal cruelty.
SeaWorld and Miral declined multiple interview requests from The Associated Press. They also did not answer written questions or grant AP journalists access to the park.Scrutiny of SeaWorld reached a crescendo following the release of the 2013 documentary “Blackfish.”
