International team members see the park for the first time.
Our 2009 summer International team members have started to arrive here at SeaWorld San Antonio. How strange it must be to fly out of China or Taiwan one morning and 48 hours later find yourself “in processing” here at the park. They generally plod off the bus, still jet-lagged after having spent about 15 hours flying, dropping into bed at an Americanized apartment, and waking up to “weird” food. That first “awake” day, they come in to fill out tons of paperwork, do a drug test, and get uniforms. Some mornings that’s followed by a New Hire Orientation and tour of the park that lasts until about 3:00 p.m. The processing and training isn’t much different for a U.S. hire, but I’ve flown around the world before. When I got there, I was barely functional. I doubt that I could listen to me talk for six hours!
This is the second year of our International hiring program. This summer group of 65 includes Busch Entertainment’s first ever group from China. Although this year’s summer group is coming strictly from China and Taiwan, this program has brought us team members from Russia, Turkey, Korea, Italy, Thailand, and the Philippines. We usually have one group who works during our Spring season and another that works Summer. They are all college students who want to experience life in the United States and improve their language skills. They get to experience BBQ, central Texas Heat, cowboy hats, Fiesta, longhorns, the Alamo and Wal-Mart. We get to experience lumpia, lifelong friendships extended by social media sites, “presentos”, and just plain hard-workers who complain less than a lot of their US counterparts.
It’s not easy. They don’t always speak or understand English as much as we or our guests might like, but the opportunities for fun and friendship are worth so much more. If you see them, take a chance and say hello. That’s what they’re here for.
The start of summer at SeaWorld not only means night shows and extended hours it means “game time” for our team members. The summer season is packed with fun activities for our team members to enjoy. We just finished our Volleyball Tournament and recognized the winners at our morning communication meeting. We had sixteen teams participate from departments all over the park. Just a sampling of some of the team names: Marketing was represented by team “Mark It Mashers”, and Finance represented by “Money Makers.” In honor of the international students working with us this summer, Culinary Operations team name was “Team Thailand.” Taking home the trophy was our Guest Arrival Team. It was a great tournament ending with a hot dog cook-out the final game. We’ll have another tournament this fall “Follyball” to keep the momentum going.
Now that volleyball is over, we have started our co-ed summer softball league and have nine teams participating. All games will be held at the softball field at the UT Health Science Center. Tuesday marked the start of our first round of games and there were some definite nail biters.
Our summer activities are a great way for our team members to stay fit as part of our “Health and Wellness Program” and a great team builder. So whether you are a player or spectator, a good time is had by all. I’ll be sure to keep you updated on which department wins the softball league and what sport we move onto next!
The new baby beluga whale is long, thin, bald and has dark skin. By that description you’d think she was my very own daughter! Well, she is… sort of. When a baby is born at SeaWorld we take it very personally. It’s as though its our own child. We take great pride in the milestone and care deeply for the new addition. It’s a wonderful time for everyone who works at the park.
Prior to the birth there are months of anticipation and preparation, and it’s not just the members of the zoological team who contribute. It’s a park-wide effort. Our Park Operations team re-arranges show schedules because once the baby is born shows stop for a while in order to allow mom and baby uninterrupted time to bond. Our Education department brushes up on baby beluga facts so they can talk about it in their tours.
Once the baby is born it gets even more intense. Veterinarians pay frequent visits to give periodic check-ups to insure that mom and baby are well. (Little known fact about marine mammals is that they are not always the best mothers from the get go. Sometimes we have to help get the process started and fortunately we are very good at that. Just the other day I “milked” the mother. How many of you can say that?!) Animal trainers, keepers, and educators watch the mom and calf 24/7 for an entire month. In that time we collect data on nursing, bonding, and mom and baby behavior. It’s a great opportunity because when an animal is born in our care it gives us the unique chance to learn things that are very difficult to learn from observing animals in the natural environment. This information proves very valuable for future births here and at other zoological facilities.
Yep, when a baby is born we really earn our money! But more than the money, it’s a labor of love. So think of us when you’re getting your good night’s sleep at 3am. We’re here making sure our newest addition and her mother are doing well. When you think about it, it’s not so different from being the parent of a baby human.
I know you have questions. Let’s hear them.
Continued success and blessings.
Chuck Cureau
Editor’s Update on June 25: The Viva show is up and running at the Beluga Stadium. To receive information on changing events at SeaWorld San Antonio, please join our Facebook community.
So, two guys are sitting in a bar (don’t worry this is not a bad joke….) They are kicking around ideas for a new Sea Lion show.
As they are chatting one of the them begins sketching on a napkin…Hey, what about this…..Mmmm let me see….what do you think….hey, that looks pretty cool!…you got some gum?…..here’s an idea….
Author’s note – This is true how many ideas begin – sitting in a pub scribbling on a napkin – Spinal Tap Stonehenge – classic!
Unfortunately, I could not track the napkin down, but here is the rendering born from the napkin…..
Thus the flatfoot gumshoe detective story is born….working title…..”Clyde and Seamore in Defective Detectives”.
Enter the scenic designer…..
So you are looking for the look and feel of Cannery Row?
Yeah, set in the 50s – real Mickey Spillane type stuff.
Cool, how about this?
Looks good, but remember the stairs and ramps have to be safe, and plenty wide enough for Sea Lions.
Sea Lions?
Yeah, and the set is in a salt water environment, so corrosion will be an issue.
Hmmm….aluminum would be the best choice.
That will be fine as long as it can stand up to a walrus.
……….Are you serious?
Oh yeah, and a pesky little otter, too.
Wow, this sounds like a whole lotta’ fun!
……..here you go…….
Approved – let the building begin!
Once the set was complete we took a picture and sent it to our corporate offices.
They said, “That is all well and good, but when you build it is it going to really look like this?”
Oh, we thought you knew – this is it!…….(silence)……success! 8^)
It was pure magic witnessing the transformation from raw idea to realization. The two gentlemen sitting in the bar that night were Joe Peczi and Doug Minerd. The spectacular set was designed by Steve Gilliam and does feature three fully functional levels and electrical and plumbing to support all the mystery and excitement to pull off a mad cap caper that is sure to delight audiences of all ages….if you don’t believe me just ask Seamore….
Next time – how it all came together….collaboration at its finest!
Chris
We’ve been flooded with tweets and Facebook comments on the birth of our new beluga whale. Here’s a short video of the mom and new baby, as well as an interview with our Curator of Mammals, Mark Galan. Enjoy!
For the community, Fran.
Editor’s Update on June 25: The Viva Show is up and running at the stadium. To stay informed of changing events at SeaWorld San Antonio, become a fan on our Facebook page.
Crissy, a 25-year-old, 1,400-pound beluga whale, gave birth to a female calf at 5:45 p.m. last night in the main pool of SeaWorld San Antonio’s Beluga Stadium. The calf arrived at 5:45 p.m., after a short period of labor. She weighs approximately 90 pounds and is 4 feet, 7 inches long.
This is an exciting event for our team members and our guests, but the first days and weeks for a young beluga whale are critical. SeaWorld’s Zoological Operations team monitors the mother and calf 24/7, watching for nursing behavior, regular respirations and other positive vital signs.
While mother and calf are bonding, “Viva!” Shows at the park’s Beluga Stadium will be cancelled temporarily.
We hope to hear from Chuck Cureau and his team as this story progresses.
This week’s photo of the week is from one of our new shows, “Pirates Plunder.” This hilarious pirate stunt show takes place at the park’s Nautilus Amphitheater and is sure to bring some laughs to summer fun at SeaWorld. Earlier this week “Pirates Plunder” and other elements of Summer Nights were previewed to VIP guests and social media friends. Enjoy the photos on our Flickr site.
This week’s photo was taken by long-time SeaWorld photographer Bob French.
June 12, 2009 by MoniVillanueva • Comments Off Posted in Around the Park
One of the many perks of working at SeaWorld is that team members come first, and this was the case on June 10th, the Summer Nights Preview Party. Team members and up to 3 guests were invited to come to the park after general operating hours and have a night filled with shows, karaoke, and even a roller coaster/water ride, Journey to Atlantis. This is one of the best things I love because not only does it give an opportunity for team members to hang out with all of their coworkers and families in the park, but because it also introduces them to any new attractions that have yet to debut to the general public. Team members get the chance to experience everything first, giving them the ultimate bragging rights! Shows included in this event were Shamu Rocks Texas, Cool Vibrations, and Pirates Plunder, a pirate stunt show that is new to SeaWorld San Antonio and scheduled to debut on June 12th. Journey to Atlantis was running throughout the night, (I’m glad that those who were brave enough to ride brought a towel) and someone was performing on the mic at all times, giving us all something to smile about. And because we are also passionate about positively impacting the world around us, sodas, chips, and hot dogs were sold at the event with all proceeds benefiting the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund. When all was said and done, everyone had the opportunity to show off our park to their families, experience a new show, and contribute to the Conservation Fund. Talk about an action packed night!
Moni Villanueva
Editor’s Update: To see a video of the Team Member Preview Party, visit our YouTube channel.
Wave TV is SeaWorld’s bi-weekly video feature program created for team members. Wave TV debuted in 2005 and was originally conceived to showcase park events for team members as they rode the shuttle bus to their workstation. Last year, this award-winning communications program moved to the SeaWorld YouTube channel; now everyone can share the program. Check out what’s new behind the scenes at SeaWorld San Antonio.
