The health and wellbeing of the animals in our care is of the utmost priority at Sea World and we have a strong reputation for caring for marine animals. We apply the highest professional standards to the conservation, management and breeding of animals in our care, to environmental education, research, rescue and global conservation.
Accreditation
Sea World is an accredited zoological institution under the Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA) and is also regulated by multiple State and Federal Government agencies. Sea World remains dedicated to the continuous support of positive animal welfare through a science-based approach.
The ZAA Accreditation Program is an assessment of a zoo or aquarium’s commitment and achievements towards positive animal welfare. It requires ZAA member zoos, aquariums, wildlife parks and sanctuaries to think deeply about the welfare of the animals in their care and strive for continuous improvement.
Zoos and aquariums are assessed using the progressive and science-based Five Domains Model which was developed by Professor David Mellor, an internationally-recognised animal welfare expert and Founder of the Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre during his time at Massey University. This approach champions welfare from the animal’s perspective and it underpins all that we do at Sea World. The Five Domains Model is a science-based structure for assessing animal welfare, which recognises that animals can experience feelings, ranging from negative to positive.
The ZAA Accreditation Program is an assessment of a zoo or aquarium’s commitment and achievements towards positive animal welfare. It requires ZAA member zoos, aquariums, wildlife parks and sanctuaries to think deeply about the welfare of the animals in their care and strive for continuous improvement.
Zoos and aquariums are assessed using the progressive and science-based Five Domains Model which was developed by Professor David Mellor, an internationally-recognised animal welfare expert and Founder of the Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre during his time at Massey University. This approach champions welfare from the animal’s perspective and it underpins all that we do at Sea World. The Five Domains Model is a science-based structure for assessing animal welfare, which recognises that animals can experience feelings, ranging from negative to positive.
Five Domains Model
The Five Domains Model is a science-based tool for assessing and supporting animal welfare:
- Nutrition: Ensuring the animals are all well hydrated and have access to a balanced and engaging diet.
- Environment: Understanding the environmental needs of each animal that influence their natural sensory responses, to provide a habitat where they can feel at home.
- Health: Supporting animals’ physical health, through regular check-ups and veterinary care, to ensure they are healthy and can engage in a range of positive experiences.
- Behaviour: Providing opportunities for animals to engage in natural behaviours, self-generated actions and purposeful activities, like play, courtship and foraging.
- Mental: Understanding, based on the assessment of the other four domains, the various emotions and sensations that make up the mental state of each animal.
Animal Care Team
Sea World has a long-history of working with marine animals, with over 40 years of experience in animal care, research and rescue. Sea World has a dedicated Animal Care team, consisting of Veterinarians, Veterinary technicians and Science graduates, who have more than 500 years of accumulated marine animal care experience.
All the animals at Sea World are cared for in a professional and respectful manner with their health and wellbeing the highest priority. In addition to this, Sea World has a Veterinary Quarantine Centre on-site where our team maintain the health of resident animals at the park as well the treatment and care of rescued marine wildlife.
All the animals at Sea World are cared for in a professional and respectful manner with their health and wellbeing the highest priority. In addition to this, Sea World has a Veterinary Quarantine Centre on-site where our team maintain the health of resident animals at the park as well the treatment and care of rescued marine wildlife.
Exhibits
The exhibits at Sea World are world-class and designed for the animal’s best interest and to ensure maximum comfort. The exhibits are modelled around the naturalistic environment for specific species and include the appropriate features to suit the animal’s needs. The animals at Sea World have access to areas within their exhibits where they can play, rest, explore, sleep, seek shelter and interact with the natural environment
Independent Welfare Assessment
Sea World has engaged Animal Welfare Expertise,led by animal welfare scientist, Dr Isabella Clegg, as an independent consultant to further optimise animal welfare throughout the park.
Dr Clegg works alongside our marine mammal and animal care teams to conduct objective assessments of the current welfare status of animals across the park while also enhancing the current enrichment programs and training sessions.
While at Sea World, Dr Clegg uses the C-Well welfare assessment tool, the only one of its kind worldwide, to analyse continuous data on the behaviour, health and mental state of each individual dolphins’ welfare.
Dr Clegg works alongside our marine mammal and animal care teams to conduct objective assessments of the current welfare status of animals across the park while also enhancing the current enrichment programs and training sessions.
While at Sea World, Dr Clegg uses the C-Well welfare assessment tool, the only one of its kind worldwide, to analyse continuous data on the behaviour, health and mental state of each individual dolphins’ welfare.
Our Position
As part of the wider zoo and aquarium industry, Sea World play an integral role in animal conservation, threatened species recovery and breeding programs.
As an industry leader, Sea World works closely with zoological facilities, government agencies, universities and like-minded organisations to enact change that will benefit the marine environment. Please head to Our Position for an overview of Sea World’s position on a range of industry topics.
Found injured marine life?
The Sea World Rescue Team is on call 24/7
The Sea World Rescue Team's pioneering work in marine animal rescues has resulted in outstanding success in rehabilitating and saving many sick, injured and stranded animals in the wild.
Call 07 5588 2222 (9:00am to 5:00pm) or 07 5588 2177 (After Hours).
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