Scott McCoy, senior director of zoological operations at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, is an expert in animal husbandry and welfare. Before serving in his recent role at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, he managed multiple teams at SeaWorld San Antonio in Texas.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, a new next-generation marine life park on Yas Island, is opening in 2023. The park’s themed visitor environments, habitats, rides and attractions are in the final stages of construction. Marc Swanson, CEO of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, described the attraction as an “extraordinary SeaWorld experience for guests with our first marine life theme park in over 30 years and our first outside the USA”.
McCoy is supporting a team that will care for a diverse animal collection at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. The park will be home to more than 150 species of marine animals, including sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. It will also house hundreds of birds, including penguins, puffins and flamingos. These animal residents will live in environments that replicate their natural habitats. The park will contain more than 58 million litres of water.
In addition, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi includes the first dedicated marine research, rescue, rehabilitation and return centre in the UAE. The facility will open this year and will be led by world-class marine scientists, veterinarians, animal care professionals and rescue experts.
“SeaWorld Abu Dhabi joins our North American parks in our mission and commitment to conservation efforts worldwide,” said Swanson. “We have hundreds of professionals focused on animal care, rescue and rehabilitation, conservation education, habitat protection, and species research.”