Argumentative Essay: Should We Have a Field Trip to SeaWorld?

SeaWorld is a fascinating place where people can discover the magic of marine life. It is an amazing theme park that allows visitors to get up close and personal with various sea creatures. SeaWorld has evolved into a place of excitement, education, and conservation. 
History SeaWorld was established in 1964 in San Diego, California. It was the creation of a man named George Millay. He wanted to create a place where people could experience marine life firsthand. The park started with just a few attractions, including dolphin shows and exhibits featuring various marine animals. Due to its growing popularity, SeaWorld expanded its offerings and opened new locations in Orlando, Florida, and San Antonio, Texas. Attractions Offering a wide range of attractions suitable for visitors of all ages, SeaWorld has something for everyone. One of the most popular attractions is the dolphin show, where these intelligent animals perform incredible tricks and showcase their agility. The thrilling roller coasters, like the Manta and Kraken, provide a rush of excitement for thrill-seekers. The aquariums, such as Shark Encounter and Penguin Encounter, allow visitors to observe and learn about different species up close. The park also offers interactive experiences like feeding sea lions and sting rays. 
Marine Animals At SeaWorld, visitors can encounter a diverse array of marine animals. Dolphins, known for their playful nature, are highly intelligent mammals that can swim gracefully and perform acrobatic stunts. Orcas, or killer whales, are majestic creatures that captivate audiences with their size and strength. Sea lions and seals are adorable marine mammals known for their playful behaviors. With their distinctive waddle, penguins are a delight to watch as they dive and swim underwater. Additionally, various species of fish and sharks can be observed in the park’s aquariums. Purpose The purpose of SeaWorld goes beyond entertainment. It aims to educate people about marine life and inspire them to protect our oceans and the creatures that call them home. SeaWorld believes in the power of firsthand experiences to build a sense of wonder and appreciation for the ocean’s marvels. One of SeaWorld’s main goals is to promote the conservation and protection of marine animals. The park actively participates in rescue and rehabilitation efforts for injured or stranded animals. SeaWorld helps animals recover by providing medical care and a safe environment. When possible, recovered animals are released back into their natural habitats. Through its educational programs, SeaWorld encourages visitors to be environmentally responsible. Visitors can learn about the impact of pollution, climate change, and overfishing through interactive exhibits and educational shows. Taking small but meaningful actions, such as reducing plastic waste, encourages visitors to contribute to the protection of our oceans. SeaWorld provides visitors with a unique opportunity to discover and appreciate marine life. Through its shows and exhibits, SeaWorld inspires visitors to respect and protect the ocean. It is a place where entertainment and education come together to create an unforgettable experience for everyone. 

Source #2: After learning some general information about SeaWorld, you search for more specific information on how captivity affects animals. Orcas: Captivity vs. Freedom Orcas, also known as killer whales, are amazing animals that capture our imagination. Some orcas live in small tanks in places like aquariums and marine parks, while others get to swim freely in the big ocean. But did you know that where an orca lives can affect how it feels? When orcas are kept in captivity, they have to live in tanks much smaller than their vast ocean homes. Being stuck in tight spaces can cause stress and anxiety for these intelligent creatures. They're taken away from their families and are made to do tricks for people's entertainment. Not having much to think about and doing the same things over and over can make them feel bored and upset. The lack of mental stimulation and the repetitive routines can lead to boredom and frustration. Living in these conditions can harm the orca’s mental health. Some orcas exhibit abnormal behaviors like self-harm and aggression toward the humans who work with them. In their natural habitat, orcas enjoy the freedom of the ocean. They swim for miles, hunt for food, and live in close-knit family groups called pods. The sea provides them with enough space to explore and socialize. Freedom to roam keeps their minds active and engaged. Living in their natural environment allows orcas to display their natural behaviors, such as hunting, communicating, and playing. The mental well-being of these orcas is significantly improved. Social connections are crucial for orcas’ mental health. In captivity, orcas are often separated from their families and forced to live with unfamiliar orcas. Separation can make them feel lonely and cause them to miss their loved ones. Orcas form strong bonds with their family members and pod mates in their natural habitat. Scientists have observed that orcas in the wild communicate using unique calls and work together to hunt for food, showcasing their complex social structures. They rely on each other for support and companionship. Socializing with other orcas helps them feel safe and loved. Having friends and family around reduces stress and makes them happier overall. Researchers have found that orcas in captivity might experience health problems like shortened lifespans and dental issues due to the challenges of adapting to artificial environments. Renowned marine conservationist Dr. Sarah Carter states, "Observing orcas in captivity might seem educational, but it distorts our understanding of their true nature. These animals are built for the open ocean, and when held in tanks, they suffer physically and mentally. The negative consequences far outweigh any potential educational value." Orcas’ happiness should be prioritized, and their environment should support their mental health. These incredible animals deserve to live in a way that matches their natural behavior and feelings. Experts who study animals all agree that keeping orcas happy and healthy is really important for their safety and ours. This information should be considered when deciding whether to visit places where orcas and other marine animals live in captivity. 

Source #3: Further research leads you to a blog written by one of the animal trainers at SeaWorld. In this blog, the trainer discusses their experience while working at the theme park. Marine Animals: Expert Perspectives Sea World Animal Trainer Being an animal trainer at SeaWorld is an exciting and fulfilling job. I work with amazing animals like dolphins, seals, and even killer whales every day! I have a special bond with these incredible creatures. I couldn’t ask for a more rewarding job, but I must admit that some things challenge me more than I would like. One of the best parts of my job is getting to know each animal’s unique personality. Just like people, animals have different quirks and preferences. Some of our dolphins love to show off their acrobatic jumps, but others enjoy playing with colorful hoops. It is fascinating to see their intelligence and watch them learn new tricks. I have had many exciting moments with the animals. I love to watch our killer whale, Kikko, perform a new trick for the first time. We celebrate with treats or nose rubs. The bond I get to create with the animals is extraordinary. Working with animals can be dangerous for us trainers. These animals are big and powerful, and accidents can happen. As trainers, we must always be cautious and follow safety guidelines to protect ourselves and the animals. It is vital to read the animals’ body language and anticipate their behaviors to keep both the animals and ourselves safe. Another challenging part of my job is the sadness that comes with it. Ocean animals are meant to live in the wild, and it can be hard to see them in captivity. While SeaWorld provides a safe environment, I sometimes wish they could roam freely in the ocean. Overall, being an animal trainer at SeaWorld is a dream come true. I get to work with incredible animals. I also help educate visitors about marine life and the importance of preserving our oceans. By sharing the wonders of these animals, I hope to inspire others to protect and respect the world we share with them. Marine Biologist As a marine biologist, my job involves studying orcas in their natural habitats–the vast ocean, where they prefer the colder waters. Studying them here allows me to see how they behave where they are the most comfortable. Every day, I sail out on a boat with my team to find these incredible creatures. It's like a treasure hunt, but our treasure is learning about these smart and social animals. We use special tools to listen to their underwater songs, record how they interact with each other, and watch their playful jumps. It feels like watching a spectacular show and gathering scientific data at the same time! 
Orcas live in family groups called pods. Just like you have family and friends, orcas have their own community, too. They rely on each other for many things, like hunting, emotional support, and mental stimulation. Orcas are complex animals, and they need all of these in order to maintain their mental and physical health. I've seen them swimming together, teaching their young how to catch fish, and even singing unique songs. One of the coolest things about orcas is their travels. They swim really far–just like taking a super long road trip in the water! They move to different places to find fish to eat and to explore new things. It's like a big adventure for them every day. In contrast, some orcas are kept in small tanks in places like aquariums. This isn't good for them. Imagine if you had to live in a tiny room without space to run and play. This would cause suffering for anyone, especially a person or animal with complex thoughts, feelings, and needs. Orcas need lots of space to swim and jump, and they need their family nearby to fulfill their social needs. When these needs are not met, orcas might not eat well, and they can even get sick. As a marine biologist, I've learned so much about orcas by watching them in the wild. They're part of the ocean's ecosystem, and it's important to protect their freedom. We can enjoy and learn about orcas without taking them away from their home. Let's protect these fantastic animals and let them keep swimming and playing in the deep blue sea where they belong!