SeaWorld is deepening its commitment to early and primary education by offering free Fun Cards to both SeaWorld and Aquatica to preschool children and qualified K-12 Texas teachers. While the park had previously offered free admission to these groups to SeaWorld before, this is the first time that the programs are being extended to both parks.

This marks the fifth consecutive year that SeaWorld San Antonio has provided free admission to all active, employed and certified school instructors in grades K-12 in the state of Texas. More than 300,000 Texas teachers qualify for this program, which now includes unlimited admission to Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark, through Sept. 7, 2015. Teachers can register for their two-park Fun Card at www.SeaWorldParks.com/TeacherPass through May 31, 2015.

“This gift is intended to inspire teachers, whether it’s visiting Penguin Encounter to prepare for a classroom session on environmental issues in the southern hemisphere or inspiring students to care for marine life at a beluga whale educational show,” said Dan Decker, SeaWorld & Aquatica Park President. The Teacher Study Pass gives teachers the unique opportunity to use their SeaWorld & Aquatica visits to help enhance their curriculum.”

The Preschool Pass is made available to an estimated two million children living in Texas, and it also allows unlimited admission to both SeaWorld & Aquatica San Antonio now through Sept. 7, 2015. The Pass makes it possible for children to make early connections to the natural world, learning about whales, dolphins, sea lions, tropical fish and many other ocean species. The pass is valid immediately so that kids can take advantage of “Wild Days” in February, which will feature amazing land animals from around the world and dynamic presentations from youth animal ambassador Bindi Iriwn and wildlife expert Jack Hanna, as well as the “Just for Kids!” festival in April. Parents can register their little ones, ages 3 to 5 years old, for a Preschool Pass at www.SeaWorldParks.com/Preschool through May 31 and must show a valid form of identification (copy of a certified birth certificate or travel passport) at any SeaWorld ticket window, as well as verification of Texas residency for the parent/guardian.

“Our free Preschool Pass enables young children to see and get close to fascinating marine mammals,” Decker said. “It’s not only creating a lasting memory, but also jumpstarting their path to learning about marine life.”  

Inspiring Conservation Through Education
SeaWorld – through fun and affordable educational programs – has helped schools, teachers, children and adults explore the ocean environment and all its inhabitants. There are countless informal teaching experiences inside the parks including educators, show and exhibit narrations, and interpretive and interactive graphics.

The parks also host a large animal database online at SeaWorld.org that features more than 4,000 pages of zoological, ecological and conservation-minded material, including species reference sources, classroom curriculum, career information and environmentally focused family activities.

About SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.
SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: SEAS) is a leading theme park and entertainment company delivering personal, interactive and educational experiences that blend imagination with nature and enable its customers to celebrate, connect with and care for the natural world we share. The Company owns or licenses a portfolio of globally recognized brands including SeaWorld^®, Shamu^® and Busch Gardens^®. Over its more than 50-year history, the Company has built a diversified portfolio of 11 destination and regional theme parks that are grouped in key markets across the United States, many of which showcase its one-of-a-kind collection of approximately 86,000 marine and terrestrial animals. The Company’s theme parks feature a diverse array of rides, shows and other attractions with broad demographic appeal which deliver memorable experiences and a strong value proposition for its guests.
 
SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. is one of the world’s foremost zoological organizations and a global leader in animal welfare, training, husbandry and veterinary care. The Company collectively cares for what it believes is one of the largest animal collections in the world and has helped lead advances in the care of animals. The Company also rescues and rehabilitates marine and terrestrial animals that are ill, injured, orphaned or abandoned, with the goal of returning them to the wild. The SeaWorld rescue team has helped more than 24,000 animals in need over the last 50 years.