SeaWorld Begins A Shakeup, Park Leaders Out After ‘Blackfish’ Backlash

SeaWorld Entertainment announced changes in its executive team on Friday, removing a group of park leaders.

SeaWorld Announces A Park Shakeup

The new changes include the departures of the company’s chief parks operations officer, chief zoological officer and San Antonio park director.

SeaWorld reportedly wants to overhaul its business and boost attendance after a 2013 documentary, Blackfish, raised questions about the park’s treatment of orcas and their interactions with trainers.

There have also been reports of four animal deaths at its San Antonio park since last summer, including a 12-year-old dolphin that died two weeks ago.

Further changes:

—Chief Parks Operations Daniel Brown is retiring. San Diego Park President John Reilly will replace him. Marilyn Hannes, who was serving as vice president of global sales, will become president of the San Diego park.

—Chief Zoological Officer Brad Andrews will become zoological director emeritus. The company’s vice president of veterinary services, Chris Dold, will become chief zoological officer.

—San Antonio Park President Dan Becker is leaving the company and will be replaced by Carl Lum, the Busch Gardens Park president.

“These leaders bring to their new roles an extraordinary depth of knowledge and talent and the right expertise to deliver on our strategic priorities,” SeaWorld CEO Joel Manby said in a statement.

SeaWorld admissions revenue fell by 2.1% through the first nine months of 2015 to $37.64 as the company continued discounting tickets to increase attendance.