Join SeaWorld and famed wildlife artist Guy Harvey as they raise funds in support of the international effort to protect the critically endangered vaquita porpoise. Starting May 15, exclusive Guy Harvey “Save the Vaquita” merchandise, including shirts, drinkware, and artwork, will be available for purchase at SeaWorld parks in Orlando, San Antonio and San Diego and online at www.GuyHarvey.com and www.SeaWorldParksShop.com.
VaquitaCPR, the international effort working to save the critically endangered vaquita porpoise from extinction, will receive 15% of the proceeds from each Guy Harvey “Save the Vaquita” item purchased (Restrictions apply. See website for details.). SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. is a proud partner of VaquitaCPR and has made an additional donation of $120,000 to VaquitaCPR, as well as offered its marine mammal care and veterinary expertise, in support of the effort to save this unique species.
One of the most critically endangered marine mammals in the world, there are only an estimated 30 vaquita left in Mexico’s upper Gulf of California. Marine mammal experts from public and private organizations around the world came together with the Mexican government to form VaquitaCPR and create an ambitious emergency conservation plan to protect the remaining vaquita and make their home secure. More information about VaquitaCPR and this critically endangered species may be found at www.nmmf.org/VaquitaCPR.
The smallest of all whales and dolphins – less than five feet long and about 100 pounds – vaquita share their limited home range with an endangered fish called the totoaba that is prized for its swim bladder. The vaquita population has plummeted as the porpoises drown when they become entangled in the gillnets illegally used to catch totoaba fish. Although Mexico has banned gillnet fishing in the upper Gulf of California, illegal fishing has continued and the vaquita population is now on the brink of extinction. The Gulf of California is one of the world’s most ecologically diverse and unique marine systems and the loss of a species can disrupt the entire ecosystem.
This new campaign builds on the partnership SeaWorld and Guy Harvey announced in April 2016. The organizations together focus on ocean health and the plight of sharks and other marine species in the wild; working to raise awareness of these important issues and collaborate on science and research to increase understanding of how to better protect these critical predators and their habitats.
About SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.
SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: SEAS) is a leading theme park and entertainment company providing experiences that matter, and inspiring guests to protect animals and the wild wonders of our world. The company is one of the world’s foremost zoological organizations and a global leader in animal welfare, training, husbandry and veterinary care. The company collectively cares for what it believes is one of the largest zoological collections in the world and has helped lead advances in the care of animals. The company also rescues and rehabilitates marine and terrestrial animals that are ill, injured, orphaned or abandoned, with the goal of returning them to the wild. The SeaWorld® rescue team has helped more than 29,000 animals in need over the last 50 years.
SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. owns or licenses a portfolio of recognized brands including SeaWorld, Busch Gardens® and Sea Rescue®. Over its more than 50-year history, the company has built a diversified portfolio of 12 destination and regional theme parks that are grouped in key markets across the United States, many of which showcase its one-of-a-kind zoological collection of over 800 species of animals. The company’s theme parks feature a diverse array of rides, shows and other attractions with broad demographic appeal which deliver memorable experiences and a strong value proposition for its guests.
Copies of this and other news releases as well as additional information about SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. can be obtained online at www.seaworldentertainment.com. Shareholders and prospective investors can also register to automatically receive the company’s press releases, SEC filings and other notices by e-mail by registering at that website.
About Guy Harvey
Guy Harvey is a unique blend of artist, scientist, diver, angler, conservationist and explorer, fiercely devoted to his family and his love of the sea. His childhood passion for the ocean and its living creatures not only inspired him to draw, but fueled a burning interest that prompted a formal education in marine science. Having graduated with honors in Marine Biology from Aberdeen University in Scotland in 1977, Guy returned home to Jamaica to resume his education, earning his Ph.D. from the University of the West Indies in 1984. Though he gave up a budding career as a marine biologist for that of a highly acclaimed artist, Guy has continued his relentless pursuit to unravel the mysteries of the sea, traveling the world to better understand the habits and habitats of the marine wildlife he paints. For more information, please visit www.guyharvey.com.
About the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation
The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation is an organization of philanthropists, conservationists, scientists and educators that emphasize sensible strategies for promoting ocean conservation and the development of the next generation of marine scientists. The foundation funds scientific research and educational programs developed by universities, colleges, institutes and nonprofit organizations.
