SeaWorld Orlando opens state-of-the-art Coral Rescue Center

The Coral Rescue Center is part of SeaWorld’s ongoing commitment to coral conservation and is one of the largest public facilities dedicated to coral conservation in the U.S.. Through a partnership with The Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, the center provides a unique opportunity for park guests to learn about ocean conservation and interact with biologists working to repopulate Florida’s coral reef.

“The new SeaWorld Coral Rescue Center represents another significant commitment to protect and conserve coral reefs and the Center enables the public to get a close up look at our work as we provide exceptional care in a safe haven for vulnerable corals as the conservation community works together to restore our vital coral reef system,” said Jim Kinsler, Zoological Curator at SeaWorld Orlando and Manager of Orlando’s Florida Coral Rescue Center (FCRC). “By raising awareness about the importance of corals and their role in the environment, we hope to ignite a passion for conservation in our visitors, empowering them to become ambassadors for the protection and preservation of Florida’s corals.”

The state-of-the-art center houses hundreds of living coral colonies and 15 different species (many listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act), which were transferred from the FCRC – the most extensive coral nursery in the country – with the goal of returning them to the Florida reef.

The Coral Rescue Center also maintains a natural environment by introducing fish, snails, crabs, and sea urchins, which clean algae from the corals and their surroundings, allowing for continued coral growth.

“Corals are the rainforests of the ocean,” said Andrew Walker, Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida President & CEO. “In addition to providing a home for a quarter of all marine life, corals buffer our coastline from damaging storms and fuel our state’s economy. We’re grateful to SeaWorld for providing a space for these rescued corals to thrive and for the public to learn more about our partnership to restore Florida’s Coral Reef.”

SeaWorld’s commitment to the Florida Reef Tract Rescue Program began in 2019 with the establishment of the FCRC; SeaWorld is one of 22 AZA partners chosen to facilitate and safe keep coral.

For more information, visit SeaWorldOrlando.com.