Shows are a very small part of an animal’s day here at SeaWorld. They are learning new behaviors, getting their check-ups and of course playing. We have an extensive enrichment program here at the park for all of the species we care for—from fish to whales. Environmental enrichment keeps the animals’ days engaging.
Our animals are so well cared for that their food and shelter are provided for them. Their days are also not filled with escaping from predators, so giving them environmental enrichment devices (EEDs), in other words playing with their toys, keeps the day fresh. We want to make sure all the animals get the mental stimulation they require as well as being in great physical shape. In fact, some of the animals even paint.
Sea lion art
The sea lions, Asian small-clawed otters, Pacific white-sided dolphins, penguins, walruses and even killer whales all have an artistic side to them. We use different kinds of kid-safe paint since some of the animals will stick their faces and feet in the paint. Walruses use their vibrissae (whiskers) to dip into the paint and push onto the canvas. The sea lions use a paintbrush with a modified handle they can hold in their mouth.
One of our California sea lions creating a painting with the modified paintbrush
The dolphins and killer whales use their beautifully sculpted flukes to press against the canvas. The otters and penguins use their feet for their paintbrushes.
An Asian small-clawed otter creating a piece of art
The paintings the animals create are not sold in gift shops. These unique pieces of art are only donated to charities for fundraising, such as the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund.
