discovery cove orlando

[Ametista]

So far, there's been no mention of changes by any posters over on the SeaWorld board (and there's generally quite a bit of DC chatter that occurs over there). I honestly can't see them making the dolphin interaction any less of an interaction. Its already not a huge part of the day, only about 30 minutes in total. And nothing about it is remotely detrimental to the animals IMHO...in fact, those dolphins look like they are having a blast "playing" with the guests. I will be interested to hear greenclan67's report when she returns .

I agree. I have been a vegetarian for 27 years (I did it as a kid) because I love animals. I have done the dolphin swim at DC and the dolphins seemed happy. I have watched the dolphins a lot at Seaworld and they seem happy. They do genuinely seem to love human interaction. I have also been on dolphin tours and seem them in the wild, where they chase the boat and do jumps in the wake. They seem genuinely happy then too.

I know that Seaworld only hires Wildlife Biologists to work with their animals, and the documentaries against SW are not made by scientists at all. Blackfish was made by a "concerned mom" who was deadset on finding things wrong with SW and The Cove was filmed by a "group of activists". I would not trust filmmakers trying to make a sensational movie (and money) over the scientists who work with the animals. I wonder why these same activists don't make films about how miserable the Meerkats are in their little homes at AK.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I agree. I have been a vegetarian for 27 years (I did it as a kid) because I love animals. I have done the dolphin swim at DC and the dolphins seemed happy. I have watched the dolphins a lot at Seaworld and they seem happy. They do genuinely seem to love human interaction. I have also been on dolphin tours and seem them in the wild, where they chase the boat and do jumps in the wake. They seem genuinely happy then too.

I know that Seaworld only hires Wildlife Biologists to work with their animals, and the documentaries against SW are not made by scientists at all. Blackfish was made by a "concerned mom" who was deadset on finding things wrong with SW and The Cove was filmed by a "group of activists". I would not trust filmmakers trying to make a sensational movie (and money) over the scientists who work with the animals. I wonder why these same activists don't make films about how miserable the Meerkats are in their little homes at AK.

And this is where the Disboards needs a "like" button .

 

[julieannbabe]

...in fact, those dolphins look like they are having a blast "playing" with the guests.

a blast? they mess with the dolphins food supply - so it looks like it is having a blast with the guests by doing tricks in return for dead fish.

What would happen if the dolphin didnt perform correctly - would it is still get its treat of dead fish? We know it wouldnt - the same as Tilikum didnt after he performed a trick twice instead in once - by doing his wave around pool - as he didnt hear the command to stop he carried on doing it. So in his mind he did the trick but still didnt get fed. No wonder he was vexed.

do you think a dolphin would 'kiss' a human or do a trick if it had no incentive too - for example, if it it had a full belly?

People are getting into that water where already space is tight and the water isnt that deep - so where can the dolphin escape too if it doesnt want to have an interaction with a human?

Have you ever seen a dead dolphin? It has the exact same expression as an dolphin that is alive. it still looks like it is smiling.

their pretty faces are also their curse - people think they are happy all the time and carefree.

Question for people who have done these swims with dolphins in captivity - do you see Seaworld adminstering the anti stress medication to stop them from getting ulcers in captivity?

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

a blast? they mess with the dolphins food supply - so it looks like it is having a blast with the guests by doing tricks in return for dead fish.

Julieann.....you and I are not going to agree (regardless of whether you are posting under the above user name or julieannboo). You are welcome to your opinion, but I am also welcome to totally disagree with you (which I do).

One thing that confuses me is you seem to know so very much about SeaWorld and Discovery Cove. Are you a regular visitor? Have you been a regular visitor in the past? If that's the case, it baffles me as to why you continue to support a company that you so vehemently oppose. If you aren't a regular visitor, or perhaps a past employee, then I'm baffled as to how you claim to have true and accurate knowledge about their animal care practices.

I am a huge fan of the SeaWorld parks. That includes SeaWorld, Discovery Cove and Aquatica. Blackfish, or any other one-sided propaganda aimed to stir the pot, will not change my views. I will happily and excitedly await my return to their parks in August .

In the meantime, I hope the mods will not allow this thread to also be taken over by anti-SeaWorld postings as is listed above. This forum is supposed to be about vacation planning. There are tons of Blackfish and related topic threads over on the community board (as you are well aware) where those issues can be debated at length.

 

[sunshineNJ]

We did this. It is a good value with admission to SW and Aquatica. We loved DC, such a relaxing non crowded place.

 

[Kpskyman]

Julieann.....you and I are not going to agree (regardless of whether you are posting under the above user name or julieannboo). You are welcome to your opinion, but I am also welcome to totally disagree with you (which I do).

One thing that confuses me is you seem to know so very much about SeaWorld and Discovery Cove. Are you a regular visitor? Have you been a regular visitor in the past? If that's the case, it baffles me as to why you continue to support a company that you so vehemently oppose. If you aren't a regular visitor, or perhaps a past employee, then I'm baffled as to how you claim to have true and accurate knowledge about their animal care practices.

I am a huge fan of the SeaWorld parks. That includes SeaWorld, Discovery Cove and Aquatica. Blackfish, or any other one-sided propaganda aimed to stir the pot, will not change my views. I will happily and excitedly await my return to their parks in August .

In the meantime, I hope the mods will not allow this thread to also be taken over by anti-SeaWorld postings as is listed above. This forum is supposed to be about vacation planning. There are tons of Blackfish and related topic threads over on the community board (as you are well aware) where those issues can be debated at length.

I gotta agree with you Gina, I enjoy the SeaWorld brand as well, and I hate when these one sided points of view come on these threads and constantly give heresy drummed up PETA propaganda to people who do not ask for it. These dolphins are cared for and fed. Julieann would have you think they would put a 10 year old kid in the water with a 500 lb mammal that is undernourished and hungry. Get Real. I have done the swim and enjoyed it and would do it again. To people who question going to these parks because of Blackfish or any of the propaganda of the PETA losers, go once and watch and listen, take a back tour, you will see that these animals are loved and cared for.

 

[jpeppers]

a blast? they mess with the dolphins food supply - so it looks like it is having a blast with the guests by doing tricks in return for dead fish.

What would happen if the dolphin didnt perform correctly - would it is still get its treat of dead fish? We know it wouldnt - the same as Tilikum didnt after he performed a trick twice instead in once - by doing his wave around pool - as he didnt hear the command to stop he carried on doing it. So in his mind he did the trick but still didnt get fed. No wonder he was vexed.

do you think a dolphin would 'kiss' a human or do a trick if it had no incentive too - for example, if it it had a full belly?

People are getting into that water where already space is tight and the water isnt that deep - so where can the dolphin escape too if it doesnt want to have an interaction with a human?

Have you ever seen a dead dolphin? It has the exact same expression as an dolphin that is alive. it still looks like it is smiling.

their pretty faces are also their curse - people think they are happy all the time and carefree.

Question for people who have done these swims with dolphins in captivity - do you see Seaworld adminstering the anti stress medication to stop them from getting ulcers in captivity?

Why don't you go back to smoking your pot and carrying signs and generally protesting everything and maybe staying off sites like this! It might not be the best thing to keep the Dolphins here but I'm pretty sure it is a better option than they had when they were rescued or when they were born there. Why don't you people protest Zoo's, we have way more of them and pretty sure it is the same concept!

 

[lexandme]

Why don't you go back to smoking your pot and carrying signs and generally protesting everything and maybe staying off sites like this! It might not be the best thing to keep the Dolphins here but I'm pretty sure it is a better option than they had when they were rescued or when they were born there. Why don't you people protest Zoo's, we have way more of them and pretty sure it is the same concept!

Nasty and unnecessary post. It displays nothing but ignorance.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Nasty and unnecessary post. It displays nothing but ignorance.

While I don't agree with jpeppers particular wording, I think her choice of prose indicates frustration more than ignorance. This thread had NOTHING to do with the Blackfish and ethical debate (animals in captivity). The OP's original post was singing the praises of her day at Discovery Cove. That's it.

There have been multiple SeaWorld-related posts over on the community board, where the Blackfish/ethical debate has been discussed over and over (and threads closed because people can't seem to allow others to have differing opinions than theirs .... in one of those now-closed threads, a poster who replied earlier in this thread actually accused SeaWorld supporters as being uneducated and not knowing what a green vegetable looked like ) . Its exceedingly frustrating for supporters of a particular SeaWorld park to not be able to post about their happy experiences without it turning into yet another ethical debate. This particular forum is about Orlando vacation planning. Vacation planning.

And ^that^ is where the frustration comes from.

And getting back on track.........only 231 days until we are at DC for visit #3!! With the dolphin swim and a cabana!

 

[lexandme]

While I don't agree with jpeppers particular wording, I think her choice of prose indicates frustration more than ignorance. This thread had NOTHING to do with the Blackfish and ethical debate (animals in captivity). The OP's original post was singing the praises of her day at Discovery Cove. That's it.

There have been multiple SeaWorld-related posts over on the community board, where the Blackfish/ethical debate has been discussed over and over (and threads closed because people can't seem to allow others to have differing opinions than theirs .... in one of those now-closed threads, a poster who replied earlier in this thread actually accused SeaWorld supporters as being uneducated and not knowing what a green vegetable looked like ) . Its exceedingly frustrating for supporters of a particular SeaWorld park to not be able to post about their happy experiences without it turning into yet another ethical debate. This particular forum is about Orlando vacation planning. Vacation planning.

And ^that^ is where the frustration comes from.

And getting back on track.........only 231 days until we are at DC for visit #3!! With the dolphin swim and a cabana!

Perhaps the prose used by the anti sea world poster can be considered frustration as well.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Perhaps the prose used by the anti sea world poster can be considered frustration as well.

But those discussions were on the Community Board......not one of the vacation planning forums. Those "agendas" might be frustrating to those who don't agree, but at least they were in the correct forum for debate.

 

[lexandme]

But those discussions were on the Community Board......not one of the vacation planning forums. Those "agendas" might be frustrating to those who don't agree, but at least they were in the correct forum for debate.

Still frustration none the less. There were many threads started on the community board by anti sea world "activists" where sea world supporters posted very nasty remarks.

For the record- I do not want to see sea world shut down. They do need to change their model. They need to admit 50 years of captivity must come to an end. Rehab and release those cetaceans that are appropriate, continue to support those that are not, but in larger tanks or sea pens and stop the awful inbreeding program. Turn sea world into a truly educational facility, increase their rescue operations. I do believe if it is done right it would be an amazing place to visit and perhaps increase attendance. If they don't do something soon they will not survive.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Still frustration none the less.

For the record- I do not want to see sea world shut down.

And for the record......this thread has nothing to do with your cause.

Back to the OP's original intention of her initial post .

greenclan67.....how was your Christmas Day visit? Did you find anything different with the dolphin swim from previous visits????

 

[lexandme]

Difference of opinion doesn't mean you should be nasty.
Discussion and education are wonderful tools.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Difference of opinion doesn't mean you should be nasty.
Discussion and education are wonderful tools.

Again....in the right place .

I can't see how I have been nasty . I am sorry you have taken offence to my pointing out (several times) that this conversation needs to happen somewhere other than in his particular forum, which is designed for vacation planning and not ethical debates.

 

[lexandme]

Again....in the right place .

I can't see how I have been nasty . I am sorry you have taken offence to my pointing out (several times) that this conversation needs to happen somewhere other than in his particular forum, which is designed for vacation planning and not ethical debates.

Again, educating others about sea world can assist in their vacation planning.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Again, educating others about sea world can assist in their vacation planning.

Okay. I give up.

OP, I am sorry your thread has deviated so far off track!!

And greenclan, still hoping to hear back from your on the details of your Christmas Day dolphin swim .

Hopefully we can get back on topic so the mods won't lock or move this thread in the interim.

 

[greenclan67]

Okay. I give up.

OP, I am sorry your thread has deviated so far off track!!

And greenclan, still hoping to hear back from your on the details of your Christmas Day dolphin swim .

Hopefully we can get back on topic so the mods won't lock or move this thread in the interim.

Hey guys, No changes Gina at all. It was the same as when we did it 2 years ago, except we had a few more dolphins. Because some didn't want to be interacting that day and some did, they just let them switch out as "They felt on their own" We had a great time. The weather was a little on the cooler side, but aside from that, it was amazing. You will enjoy it. We also did the behind the scenes tour. Our guide was wonderful! It gave you a real look into behind the wonderful decos of the park and into the rehabilitation program. We found it to be very interesting. My kids favourite day by far. They loved petting Fred (the female penguin) I love SW parks and are now looking into a California vacation for next year so we can visit that SW with our Platinum passes. Which were wonderful, we used them for everything, seating at shows, discounts on merchandise, 4 free tickets to Aquatica for friends that were with us. New Years eve at SW was spectacular. I can't say enough great things about our vacation experience at Christmas. Anyone that hasn't done it, you need to!

 

[Kpskyman]

What education are you giving people planning Lex, that SeaWorld has animals in tanks ?? I think everyone planning on going knows that. Please tell me of one other Entertainment park that does more for animal research and rescue the SeaWorld. Just one, that is all I ask. They go above and beyond everyone in the business. In fact, they created the business. Please go on your soapbox elsewhere and chant your PETA filled negativity on a board that really wants to hear it. This is a place to share experiences and future trips, not to bash them, and try to make them feel guilty for enjoying sea life in one of the few areas in the US that you can do so without being in a boat for weeks on end. In my eyes you are not part of the solution, you are the problem. If you want change I suggest you buy stock in the company, then go to a shareholder meeting and cast your ideas for improving the park to those that can improve it, the owners, not the patrons.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Hey guys, No changes Gina at all. It was the same as when we did it 2 years ago, except we had a few more dolphins. Because some didn't want to be interacting that day and some did, they just let them switch out as "They felt on their own" We had a great time. The weather was a little on the cooler side, but aside from that, it was amazing. You will enjoy it. We also did the behind the scenes tour. Our guide was wonderful! It gave you a real look into behind the wonderful decos of the park and into the rehabilitation program. We found it to be very interesting. My kids favourite day by far. They loved petting Fred (the female penguin) I love SW parks and are now looking into a California vacation for next year so we can visit that SW with our Platinum passes. Which were wonderful, we used them for everything, seating at shows, discounts on merchandise, 4 free tickets to Aquatica for friends that were with us. New Years eve at SW was spectacular. I can't say enough great things about our vacation experience at Christmas. Anyone that hasn't done it, you need to!

Great update!!! Thank you!!!

I am glad to hear there have been no changes to dolphin swim .

Also glad to hear that you enjoyed the Behind The Scenes tour. Depending on how our timing works out, we may try and squeeze that into our visit as well . I'm a penguin lover, so a chance to get up close with one is uber appealing!