“Imagine being a marine animal needing rescue” This thought is brought to life at Rescue Jr. in San Diego. It is a place where kids can learn about animal conservation.
Rescue Jr. is SeaWorld San Diego’s new animal conservation themed area. It is designed specifically for kids. Youngsters have the opportunity to learn about rescued animals. They can do this during daily presentations. Interactive activities also help them learn. By learning about marine animals children realize they can help protect them.
You will find the boat “Second Chance” here. Its name is perfect. It represents giving animals a second chance. There are also rescue-themed rides. Splash pools offer watery fun. Water features such as Nautical Net Climb and Tide Pool Twist delight young guests. Even a real rescue car is on site.
Jim Lake is the SeaWorld San Diego president. He said the park focuses on its rescue operation. Kids learn about the animals they rescue. They also learn how they rehabilitate and return them to their environment. Lake hopes kids will be inspired. They can meet the rescue team. They can hear animal stories.
SeaWorld is one of the largest marine animal rescue organizations. Since 1965 it has helped more than 40000 animals. The dedicated rescue team is always ready. Jeni Smith is a member of the rescue team. She has rescued seals sea lions whales and dolphins. She has also rescued sea turtles and seabirds.
She shared a story. An animal had a fishing line wrapped around it. The line cut into its skin. They patiently watched it. Eventually they cut the line off. The animal returned to the beach without the fishing line. This shows how trash can harm animals.
Animal conservation ambassadors give fun presentations. These are educational. They share stories of conservation and animal care. Kids can have hands-on experiences. They can meet rescued animals. Marsupials primates and reptiles might be there. They can learn about their unique stories.
One ambassador brought Nova a Great Horned Owl. Nova was hit by a car 13 years ago. Its wings broke. Now Nova is healthy. It blinks its yellow eyes. It politely looks around at the children.
Rescuing animals requires teamwork. It is almost impossible to do it alone. You also need to love animals. The rescue team feels rewarded. They are proud of their work.
There is the Rescue Bay Splash Zone. Rescue 1 is a large boat docked and ready. It brings watery fun. Surrounding the ship is a shallow-water rescue training ground. There is also a splash pad area. Rescue trainees navigate an aquatic agility course. It has colorful geometric sculptures. They also have buoy-like interactives. Playful fountains mimic a busy harbor.
Young adventurers can test themselves at the Rescue Training Obstacle Course. This dry play area has three options. The Nautical Net Climb offers a twisting network of nets. It leads to three training towers. These towers connect with swaying net bridges. There are also suspended tunnels. The Breakwater Bounce is a large enclosed area. It has an inflated air bag floor. Tadpole Play is a soft play area for little guests.
The Rescue Jr. Play Yard is interactive. It has four areas of role-playing. Children go through the rescue process. This includes receiving the call. It also includes returning animals to their habitats. The Play Yard has talk tubes. These receive the calls. A mini obstacle course simulates rescue challenges. Playground puzzles match sea life to habitats.
In the Mini Rescuer Training Zone kids play pretend. Ocean themed play structures fill this soft play area. Children can play on a Rescue boat and plane. They can climb on a sandcastle. They can also explore ocean rocks and a pier.
The Rescue Garage displays former rescue vehicles. These include a pickup truck and a dinghy boat. Educational graphics explain the missions these vehicles undertook.
Ride to the rescue on three exciting rides. The entire family can enjoy them. Rescue Rafter is a fully equipped Rescue boat. It lets you ride the waves. Rescue Riders lets you ride a Rescue Jr. jet ski. Tidepool Twist offers a twisting journey around a colorful tide pool.
The SeaWorld San Diego Rescue Team is on call every day. They help animals. They also share rescue stories.
Remember your visit to Rescue Jr. supports SeaWorld’s efforts. A portion of proceeds from tickets goes toward rescue and rehabilitation.