SeaWorld Orlando Celebrates World Oceans Day with Anniversary of Coral Rescue Center

This World Oceans Day, SeaWorld Orlando proudly marks a significant milestone in marine conservation, celebrating the second anniversary of its cutting-edge SeaWorld Coral Rescue Center. The occasion highlights the park’s unwavering commitment to protecting vital coral reef ecosystems, accompanied by a host of impressive achievements, including pioneering reproduction efforts and a record-breaking coral spawning event.

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Opened in 2023, the SeaWorld Coral Rescue Center has swiftly established itself as a critical hub for coral preservation and education. The state-of-the-art facility currently provides a safe haven for 390 coral colonies spanning 18 protected species. Among these are three species classified as threatened, and one designated as endangered under the Endangered Species Act, underscoring the center’s crucial role in safeguarding biodiversity. Visitors to the facility are offered a unique, immersive experience, allowing them to witness firsthand the meticulous care and scientific efforts provided by dedicated coral conservation experts.

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SeaWorld’s ongoing successes are a testament to robust collaborative partnerships, including vital alliances with Disney Conservation, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), and the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida. These collective efforts extend to the Florida Coral Rescue Center (FCRC), also located in Orlando, which is commemorating its fifth anniversary this year. The FCRC plays an indispensable role as a sanctuary for over 500 coral colonies imperiled by Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD), a highly lethal affliction currently threatening 22 coral species with extinction.

Key Milestones in Coral Reproduction and Reef Repopulation:

The FCRC has consistently pushed the boundaries of coral reproduction and reef repopulation, achieving several groundbreaking feats:

• It was the first facility in the world to successfully grow Mycetophyllia ferox (rough cactus coral) in an aquarium setting.
• In 2024, the FCRC delivered over 1 million coral larvae for critical restoration and research initiatives, demonstrating a remarkable capability in large-scale propagation.
• Most recently, in May 2025, the facility achieved an unprecedented feat, growing over 1 million Diploria labyrinthiformis (maze coral) larvae during a single spawning event. More than 500,000 of these larvae were directly returned to Florida’s Coral Reef, significantly contributing to its recovery and resilience.

“We are incredibly proud of the significant progress we’ve made in coral conservation,” said Jim Kinsler, Zoological Curator at SeaWorld Orlando and Manager of the FCRC. “Our collective efforts reflect the dedication and collaboration needed to protect and restore vital coral reef ecosystems.”

Jon Peterson, President of SeaWorld Orlando, underscored the broader importance of their work. “Coral reefs are vital to maintaining healthy ocean environments,” said Peterson. “Our collaboration with the FCRC as well as the work being done here at the SeaWorld Coral Rescue facility provides essential care for rescued corals, ultimately contributing to the restoration of Florida’s reef systems.”

As SeaWorld Orlando continues its pivotal role in marine conservation, its celebratory efforts on World Oceans Day serve as a powerful reminder of the ongoing dedication required to safeguard our planet’s most delicate underwater treasures.

For more information on the SeaWorld Coral Rescue Center and its vital work, visit www.SeaWorldOrlando.com.