In this thoroughly researched episode, join Alice and Buddy as they embark on a quest to better understand SeaWorld’s history, its controversies, its appeal, and its seemingly ongoing success. What makes this combination theme park and animal exhibit franchise continue to thrive? Find out on this episode!

Heads up, this episode discusses animal rights, the conditions of animals in captivity at SeaWorld, and some of the more well-known tragedies at their parks. If that’s a tough subject for you, this might be an episode to skip.

It’s another weekly episode of Those Happy Places! This’ll be the last one for just a little while—we hope you’ve enjoyed this mini—season arc!

Topics Include: Alice Assumes Direct Control, Memories of SeaWorld, The Delicate Nature of the Topic, SeaWorld’s History, SeaWorld’s Locations, Past, Present, and Future, The Controversy, the Documentary Film Titled Blackfish, The Consequences of Said Documentary, SeaWorld and Conservation, SeaWorld and Economics, SeaWorld in the Theme Park Industry, and Alice’s Thesis, Revised

Alice’s Research Materials:

USA Today Poll naming SeaWorld Orlando the number one theme park of the year: https://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-theme-park-2022/

Original Article that Inspired the Documentary Blackfish: https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/environment/killer-pool/

A Brief Summary of the Blackfish Law in California: https://www.cetaceanlaw.org/project/the-blackfish-effect-on-the-u-s-legal-systems/

The Official Blackfish Movie Website: https://www.blackfishmovie.com/about

USA Today Article About Steve-O’s Blackfish Protest: https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2015/10/07/steve-o-seaworld-stunt-lands-him-in-jail/73537582/

The Official SeaWorld Website: https://seaworld.com/

SeaWorld’s Official Animal Rescue Commitment Statement: https://seaworldentertainment.com/commitment/animal-rescue-rehabilitation/?_ga=2.254537736.1297102174.1652300962-558320638.1652300961

The San Diego Based Hubbs-Seaworld Research Institute: https://hswri.org/Seaworld Entertainment, INC’s Official Fiscal Summary for 2021: https://www.seaworldinvestors.com/news-releases/news-release-details/2022/SeaWorld-Entertainment-Inc.-Reports-Fourth-Quarter-and-Fiscal-2021-Results/default.aspx

Be sure to visit our Patreon for all of the cool Passholder benefits, stretch goals, and an exclusive, long-lost episode of Those Happy Places! Join us on our Discord Server!

Those Happy Places is Produced by Alice White and Edited By Buddy Duquesne. Our theme song is Golden Gate by the California Feetwarmers, Featuring Phil Alvin.

Additional music comes from Kevin Macleod. All Tracks Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License. Tracks in this Episode:

Bummin on Tremelo by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://filmmusic.io/song/3464-bummin-on-tremeloLicense: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Apero Hour by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3375-apero-hourLicense: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Bossa Antigua by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://filmmusic.io/song/3454-bossa-antiguaLicense: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Backbay Lounge by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3408-backbay-loungeLicense: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Long Stroll by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3997-long-strollLicense: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Casa Bossa Nova by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3481-casa-bossa-novaLicense: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Crinoline Dreams by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://filmmusic.io/song/3560-crinoline-dreamsLicense: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

No Good Layabout by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4140-no-good-layaboutLicense: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Blippy Trance by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5759-blippy-tranceLicense: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Del Rio Bravo by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5706-del-rio-bravoLicense: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-loungeLicense: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

In Your Arms by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3906-in-your-armsLicense: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Deliberate Thought by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3635-deliberate-thought

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

George Street Shuffle by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3800-george-street-shuffleLicense: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license