"Accredited zoological parks and aquariums like SeaWorld offer unique opportunities to see, interact with, and learn about animals. Our work is grounded in providing professional and loving care to our animals. Everything we do starts there. SeaWorld is one of the world's foremost zoological institutions and a global leader in animal welfare, animal rescue and rehabilitation, veterinary care and more. Our larger mission, however, is animal conservation – raising awareness and inspiring guests to care about animals, their habitats and their future."

Every day, dedicated animal experts, zoologists, dieticians and veterinarians come to work at SeaWorld. These professionals are committed to caring for our animals and are among the most experienced and qualified professionals in the world.

Meet a few members of our animal care team who are at the forefront of advancing our understanding and best practices in animal health and behavior -- and check back often to meet more of our world-renowned veterinarians, animal care specialists and trainers!

"For over 30 years, I’ve cared for incredible species like belugas and walruses, keeping them engaged and thriving at SeaWorld.  We teach them to exhibit natural behaviors in ways that make it easier for our veterinarians to conduct health checkups, scientists to conduct groundbreaking research and the public to learn to love these animals as much as I do.  This collaboration in the areas of animal training and husbandry is vital to advancing veterinary medicine and protecting amazing animal species around the world."

“As a loving home for some of the most interesting animals on the planet, SeaWorld is at the forefront of veterinary medicine. SeaWorld’s veterinary specialists were first to use a cutting-edge stem cell procedure to help a nearly blind sea lion see again, releasing him back into the wild. SeaWorld’s scientific work also resulted in improved prosthetics for sea turtles, specialized formulas to bottle-feed orphaned dolphins and most recently, the first-ever spinal tap on a rescued bottlenose dolphin. Every aquatic animal we rescue receives the highest quality of care throughout their rehabilitation, and many of them are given a second chance at life. What we learn from the animals in our care can be extrapolated into knowledge that extends well beyond our parks, benefiting countless conservation research and rescue projects to save animals in the wild.”

"Every day our dedicated team of trainers interacts with our animals by engaging in exercise, play, new learning and building meaningful relationships. Through our relationships and training, not only are we able to condition incredible behaviors in presentations, but also groundbreaking behaviors that allow scientists to learn more about killer whale health and physiology.  What we’re learning about animals at SeaWorld is directly helping scientists make conservation management decisions that will benefit killer whales and other species in the wild."

“At the Veterinary Hospital, animal healthcare experts are responsible for ensuring every animal at SeaWorld remains healthy.  We provide around the clock veterinary care and support to all the animals in the park, 365 days of the year, which can range from performing routine health exams, conducting laboratory diagnostic tests, and even facilitating rehabilitation sessions for the animals rescued by our field team.”

"SeaWorld has the largest animal collection in the world, and each animal department – from the sea lions and penguins to the belugas and walruses at Wild Arctic – have parameters that require precise life support systems and preventive maintenance tasks to ensure habitats meet the highest standards and safety.  Our technicians are specialized in knowing the exact water chemistry that’s right for each animal species, so we are responsible for working with SeaWorld’s veterinarians to enhance the water quality of the aquariums, making these the safest possible environments for our marine animals to live."

“I joined the animal care team 20 years ago, and have seen the impact of SeaWorld’s longstanding commitment to protecting marine life firsthand. Early on in my career, I had the remarkable experience of caring for an orphaned California sea lion named Harvey, whose mother was rescued after being found sickened during an acid toxicity event. Harvey continues to have a profound effect on park guests who learn about his story and how they can take action to protect marine life. Coming face-to-face with animals like Harvey and learning about their story at an accredited zoo and aquarium like SeaWorld is an unforgettable experience that has allowed my fellow animal care specialists to inspire millions to care about conservation and improve our planet.”

“We provide the highest quality of care not only for the animals that live at SeaWorld but also for those we respond to in the wild. As a SeaWorld Rescue team member, we go to great lengths to help injured, sick and orphaned animals recover and give them a chance to return to their natural habitats. The veterinary, husbandry and behavioral expertise and resources available to the animals in our care are unparalleled. This is evidenced by the scientists, researchers and resource managers at universities and government agencies who seek access to our animals, data or technical expertise. They know the impact and quality of our work firsthand.”