Ocean theme parks in many countries are facing growing criticism over concerns about the welfare of sea mammals in captivity impacting attendance at some parks in the US. The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has been investigating reports that animals were being kept on ships moored off San Diego for months or even years without adequate food or water. There are already 39 such theme parks, largely based on the concept made popular by SeaWorld in Florida, with another 16 under construction; the flagship Chimelong Ocean Kingdom recorded 80,000 visitors in a single day last year.
Ocean theme parks in many countries are facing growing criticism over concerns about the welfare of sea mammals in captivity impacting attendance at some parks in the US. In China, however, the industry is booming, as the Chinese seem to have an insatiable appetite to watch animals such as polar bears, beluga whales, bottle-nose dolphins, belugas and orcas perform. There are already 39 such theme parks, largely based on the concept made popular by SeaWorld in Florida, with another 16 under construction; the flagship Chimelong Ocean Kingdom recorded 80,000 visitors in a single day last year.