There sure are, quite a few of them too. I counted 13-14 in the habitat when I was there yesterday. Given the depth and previous occupants that must be one of the deepest magellanic penguin habitats in the USA. Perhaps someone more knowledgeable can answer, but it seemed like there were more harbor seals in the outdoor Pacific Point Preserve, I counted 6, perhaps they moved them there?There are somehow Magellanic penguins in the harbor seal exhibit in Wild Arctic. What happened to the seals?
Allegedly it is temporary as they have rumored that the walrus habitat will be expanded. That said, I agree, Wild Arctic was super cool when it opened. The helicopter ride was fun and the design of the whole complex is unique. It is so weird how you enter through the gift shop now, it makes the whole area feel like an after thought. But harbor seals in that exhibit we always a little "meh", especially when they are also out in the Pacific Point area. It would be super cool if they could get more ringed seals or something for that enclosure.Must we rename this exhibit "Wild ANTarctic" soon....
(Yes, I know that Magellan penguins to not occur that far in the south, but still a shame what happened to that once impressive immersion exhibit).![]()
13 (7.6) of SeaWorld Orlando's harbor seals were transferred to SeaWorld Abu Dhabi on February 28th, 2023There are somehow Magellanic penguins in the harbor seal exhibit in Wild Arctic. What happened to the seals?
Ha, well that explains that, thanks for the information! At least they still keep the species in the main outdoor pool.13 (7.6) of SeaWorld Orlando's harbor seals were transferred to SeaWorld Abu Dhabi on February 28th, 2023
It was never impressive for the inhabitants. It was always a terrible enclosure for polar bears, and these days the beluga and walrus tanks looks cramped.Allegedly it is temporary as they have rumored that the walrus habitat will be expanded. That said, I agree, Wild Arctic was super cool when it opened. The helicopter ride was fun and the design of the whole complex is unique. It is so weird how you enter through the gift shop now, it makes the whole area feel like an after thought. But harbor seals in that exhibit we always a little "meh", especially when they are also out in the Pacific Point area. It would be super cool if they could get more ringed seals or something for that enclosure.
In particular the polar bears were cramped, it was good they did not replace them in that habitat. My comment was really aimed at the immersion experience for people.It was never impressive for the inhabitants. It was always a terrible enclosure for polar bears, and these days the beluga and walrus tanks looks cramped.
Yes, if you overlooked that it was a very good immersion exhibit and unique in the zoo world. I always loved the colour of the “sky” on the inside.In particular the polar bears were cramped, it was good they did not replace them in that habitat. My comment was really aimed at the immersion experience for people.
I don't think there was much done to the animal space. Mostly it is the new rollercoaster that replaced the penguin ride and they remodeled the giftshop and cafe.What was added as part of the Antarctic realm? Didn’t they only open a new penguin exhibit a few years ago?
here's the facebook post if anyone's interested, the calf was named Ukiaq.The non-releasable female walrus calf the Alaska Sealife Center rescued earlier this year was transferred to SeaWorld Orlando in hopes that Kaboodle will become her surrogate mother.