George Kieffer (left), president of the Southern Caribbean Cetacean Network, gives a “thumbs up” as he and Eric Otjen (right), SeaWorld San Diego's assistant curator of mammals, help Sully the pilot whale acclimate to his new pool at the San Diego marine-life park shortly after arrival on Jan. 4, 2010.

SeaWorld’s “Blue Horizons,” a new show featuring dolphins and pilot whales, will also feature an array of exotic tropical birds, including this green-winged macaw. “Blue Horizons” is scheduled to open May 2010.

SeaWorld’s “Blue Horizons,” a new show featuring dolphins and pilot whales, will also feature an array of exotic birds, including this East African crowned crane. “Blue Horizons” is scheduled to open May 2010.

SeaWorld’s “Blue Horizons,” a spectacular new show starring dolphins, birds and acrobatic performers, will also feature short-finned pilot whales, who perform amazing aerial behaviors. “Blue Horizons” is scheduled to open May 2010.

SeaWorld’s “Blue Horizons,” a spectacular new show starring dolphins, birds and acrobatic performers, will also feature short-finned pilot whales, who perform amazing aerial behaviors. “Blue Horizons” is scheduled to open May 2010.

Bottlenose dolphins peek through the acrylic window at SeaWorld San Diego’s Rocky Point Preserve, an attraction where guests can feed and interact with these amazing marine mammals.

SeaWorld San Diego guests experience the Dolphin Encounter, an opportunity that allows guests a chance to get close to bottlenose dolphins without getting in the water.

During SeaWorld San Diego’s Dolphin Interaction Program (DIP), participants get an amazing in-water experience with bottlenose dolphins in the DIP pool at Rocky Point Preserve.

At SeaWorld San Diego’s Shamu: Close Up attraction, guests get an unparalleled look at the park’s magnificent killer whales.

“Believe,” SeaWorld San Diego’s visually-stunning show, highlights the relationship between killer whales and their trainers.

“Believe,” SeaWorld San Diego’s visually-stunning show, highlights the relationship between killer whales and their trainers.

Four of SeaWorld’ San Diego’s killer whales leap out of the water during “Believe,” SeaWorld San Diego’s visually-stunning show.

During Dine With Shamu, visitors enjoy a scrumptious buffet at tables just feet away from SeaWorld San Diego’s family of killer whales. During preparations for the new “Blue Horizons” show, the park will present a special Dine With Dolphins opportunity. Dine With Shamu will resume in late spring.

In October 2009, more than 80 green sea turtles hatched at SeaWorld San Diego. All species of sea turtles are threatened or endangered, and SeaWorld is one of only a few zoological facilities in the world to successfully hatch them.

SeaWorld San Diego Assistant Curator of Fishes Tim Downing prepares to release a loggerhead turtle back into the ocean after rehabilitation at the marine-life park.

Shannon Resch, associate animal care specialist at SeaWorld San Diego, bottle feeds a California sea lion pup. The animal was rescued from a construction site in Ventura County in 2009 and was brought to SeaWorld for rehabilitation. SeaWorld rescues 150 to 200 marine mammals each year.

A brown pelican affected by an oil spill is washed by SeaWorld San Diego aviculturists at the park’s Oiled Wildlife Care Center.

SeaWorld Resident Campers interact with killer whales through the acrylic window at Shamu: Close Up.

Participants in SeaWorld Adventure Camps explore the park’s creatures, including sea stars at the California Tide Pool exhibit.

During SeaWorld San Diego Resident Camp, participants spend five nights at the park and get up-close to some of the park’s animals, including bottlenose dolphins.

One-night Sleepovers at SeaWorld San Diego feature fun activities like penguin dress-ups, plus the chance to spend the night in an exciting animal habitat, such as the Penguin Encounter.

SeaWorld San Diego’s 25-degree Penguin Encounter is home to five species of Antarctic penguins, including the gentoo penguin.

Antarctic penguins, including the emperor (left) and Adélie (right), live inside SeaWorld San Diego’s 25-degree Penguin Encounter.

During SeaWorld San Diego’s hilarious “Sea Lions LIVE” show, Clyde and Seamore poke fun at popular TV shows, including “Survivor.”

SeaWorld San Diego’s “Pets Rule!” is a show where clever canines take charge and show humans who’s the boss.

SeaWorld San Diego’s aquariums feature more than 5,700 fishes representing 434 species, including angel fish.

SeaWorld San Diego’s aquariums feature more than 5,700 fishes representing 434 species, including clown fish.

At SeaWorld San Diego’s Forbidden Reef, moray eels look menacing in their underground cavern. Up above, the exhibit also features graceful bat rays that glide by in a shallow lagoon.

Once a day at SeaWorld San Diego, guests are treated to a Flamingo Parade along the park’s pathways.

During impromptu in-park encounters at SeaWorld San Diego, kids of all ages can interact with a variety of SeaWorld’s Animal Ambassadors, including this ground cuscus.

SeaWorld San Diego’s Wild Arctic attraction features a simulated jet helicopter ride, followed by an encounter with several arctic species, including the beluga whale (pictured), plus polar bears, walruses and seals.

A polar bears swims at SeaWorld San Diego’s Wild Arctic, an attraction that features a simulated jet helicopter ride, and exhibits with polar bears, beluga whales, walruses and seals.

Participants touch, feed and play with beluga whales during SeaWorld San Diego’s Beluga Interaction Program, an incredible in-water experience.

At SeaWorld San Diego’s Pacific Point attraction, harbor seals swim and frolic. At specified times throughout the day, guests can purchase fish and toss them to the marine mammals.

Adventurers enjoy a wet and wild ride on SeaWorld San Diego’s Shipwreck Rapids.

Journey To Atlantis is SeaWorld San Diego’s thrilling water coaster, featuring twists and turns, and a splashy, 60-foot plunge.

SeaWorld San Diego’s Bayside Skyride offers a relaxing and beautiful view of Mission Bay.

SeaWorld San Diego’s 320-foot Skytower offers a panoramic view of Mission Bay, downtown and beyond.

SeaWorld San Diego offers incredible fireworks during Summer Nights and other special events throughout the year.

Sesame Street Bay of Play at SeaWorld is a two-acre, whimsical play area that features family-friendly rides, including Abby’s Sea Star Spin.