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Whale and Dolphin Conservation partners with local artist for art auction

PLYMOUTH, MA - Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) has partnered with local artist Erik Simmons...
dolphin FB Fundraiser

e.l.f. Cosmetics announces new “porpoise-ful” initiative to benefit Whale and Dolphin Conservation

For Immediate Release, March 16, 2023 OAKLAND, CA - On the fins of its first...

Kiska the ‘world’s loneliest whale’ dies at Canadian theme park

Kiska, dubbed the loneliest whale in the world, has died at Marineland, a zoo and...
Grey seal is released from the kennel on the ocean side of Duxbury Beach

Why did the seal cross the road? WDC responds to a grey seal near Gurnet Point in Plymouth, MA

Grey seal is released from the kennel on the ocean side of Duxbury Beach For...

Chinese investment company buys stake in SeaWorld

Shanghai-based investment company, Zhonghong Group is to acquire a 21% stake in SeaWorld from private equity firm Blackstone. 

Zhonghong Group, a financial holding company focused on strategic growth opportunities in the leisure, tourism, and culture industries, will now work with SeaWorld on the concept development and design of theme parks, water parks and family entertainment centers to be developed and operated by Zhonghong, including exclusive rights in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau.

Joel Manby, president and CEO of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc said; “Zhonghong Group is making a significant, long-term investment in SeaWorld, reflecting their appreciation of the strength of our brand, our potential to grow the company and a shared commitment to protect wildlife and the environment.”

Financial uncertainty and public outcry against the keeping of whales and dolphins in captivity have plagued SeaWorld in recent years. The company announced last year that it would end the breeding of orcas in captivity.

However, despite this change in public opinion against captivity, China continues to dramatically increase the number of captivity facilities and has decided to launch a new orca breeding facility  in Chimelong, all of which casts a worrying shadow over this new financial deal involving SeaWorld.