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SeaWorld’s new marine research and rescue centre opens in Abu Dhabi

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Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue was developed by SeaWorld and Miral.

Miral has announced the opening of Abu Dhabi’s Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue, the MENA region’s first dedicated marine research and rescue centre.

Located on Yas Island, the venue includes a rescue clinic, a state-of-the-art veterinary hospital, more than 25 rescue and rehabilitation pools, laboratories and an aquaculture facility.

Additionally, it features a dry classroom and a wet classroom to educate the next generation of marine biologists.

SeaWorld‘s first centre outside of the US will be overseen by a team of professional scientists, zoologists and experts in marine animal care, research and rescue.

seaworld abu dhabi yas island research and rescue centre

It joins SeaWorld’s three previous locations, adjacent to its parks in the US. SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, a new marine life park, will also open this year.

“This is a cornerstone in the emirate’s journey of education and conservation, inspiring the next generation of marine scientists to learn more about Abu Dhabi’s impactful long-term vision of protecting our marine wildlife and their habitats,” said Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of Miral.

“Together with SeaWorld, we will be pushing the limits of science and conservation to become the foremost knowledge hub for marine scientists, not only in the UAE, but also in the wider region.”

The rescue team in the new centre will help sick, injured and orphaned marine animals in the Arabian Gulf and provide rehabilitation before returning them to their natural habitats.

SeaWorld‘s first centre outside of the US

The research team will focus on the Arabian Gulf’s marine ecology, covering marine biodiversity, ecosystem resilience, wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, pollution and wildlife health.

Since 1965, SeaWorld has rescued more than 40,000 animals. Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue was developed by SeaWorld and Miral. It will be managed and operated by SeaWorld and Miral Experiences, a subsidiary of Miral.

“For nearly 60 years, SeaWorld has maintained its unwavering mission and steadfast commitment to protecting marine animals and their ecosystems and inspiring others to act and care for marine life,” said Scott Ross, chairman of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment.

“Extending this legacy here in the UAE is important for global conservation and is consistent with the UAE and wider region’s tradition of honoring the importance of the sea.”

Images: SeaWorld / Miral

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Bea Mitchell

Bea is a journalist specialising in entertainment, attractions and tech with 10 years' experience. She has written and edited for publications including CNET, BuzzFeed, Digital Spy, Evening Standard and BBC. Bea graduated from King's College London and has an MA in journalism.

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