The marine theme park known as SeaWorld exists in many different states and cities. But while there are now a number of them in the country, to many people, locals and foreigners, the name SeaWorld brings to mind just one city: San Diego.
This is because San Diego is home to the very first SeaWorld. It was originally an idea for an underwater restaurant, conceived by four UCLA graduates. SeaWorld grew, however, becoming a marine mammal park instead when it first opened in March 21, 1964. In the beginning, it was a mere 22 acres, and only housed a small number of marine mammals, from dolphins to sea lions and many other aquatic attractions. Over the decades, the park constantly grew, adding many more animals and areas, becoming the gigantic marine attraction it is today.
SeaWorld San Diego today is a marine mammal attraction, an aquatic theme park, and commercial center all rolled into one. But while there are many fun theme park rides, like Journey to Atlantis and Shipwreck Rapids, and many restaurants and shops, what makes SeaWorld famous, ultimately, are the animals. And one name among these animals in particular, is arguably the star of the whole show. That name is Shamu, the orca.
Shamu is an orca that was brought to the park back in 1965, instantly becoming a star that has attracted a lot of kids and adults to the theme park. And while it might be a fantastic idea to think that the Shamu back then and the Shamu now is one and the same, this isn’t the case. The name Shamu has been passed down over the years, being given to the orcas that star in the killer whale shows, that were also given the Shamu name, and are now known as Shamu shows.
Even a star, however, needs a supporting cast, and there is no shortage in SeaWorld San Diego. There are three species of dolphins that perform in numerous other shows, including the new Blue Horizons show. There’re also sea lions that perform in their own comedy show, Sea Lions Tonite, spoofing the popular night time comedy talk shows of today.
Visitors can come for whatever reason, whether it be the animals, the rides, or the shops, but one thing’s for sure, SeaWorld San Diego is a place that anyone, tourist or local alike, must visit. And for tourists who may decide to make San Diego their new home, we present these links on Downtown San Diego real estate and San Diego mortgage loans.