ORLANDO, Fla. – This World Oceans Day on June 8, SeaWorld Orlando is proudly marking the second anniversary of the SeaWorld Coral Rescue Center and celebrating significant milestones in coral conservation, including a record-breaking coral spawning event.
Opened in 2023, the SeaWorld Coral Rescue Center serves as a vital hub for coral preservation and education. The facility houses 390 coral colonies across 18 protected species, three of which are threatened with one classified as endangered under the Endangered Species Act.
The collaborations with Disney Conservation, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), and the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida have been essential to SeaWorld Orlando’s conservation successes.
[Take a tour of the SeaWorld Coral Rescue Center in the video below]
SeaWorld Orlando also has a partnership with the Florida Coral Rescue Center (FCRC), located in Orlando, which is celebrating its fifth anniversary.
The FCRC plays a crucial role in coral conservation. It serves as a sanctuary for over 500 coral colonies endangered by stony coral tissue loss disease, a highly lethal disease threatening 22 coral species with extinction.
“We are incredibly proud of the significant progress we’ve made in coral conservation,” said Jim Kinsler, zoological curator at SeaWorld Orlando and manager of the FCRC. “Our collective efforts reflect the dedication and collaboration needed to protect and restore vital coral reef ecosystems.”
SeaWorld has achieved several notable milestones in coral reproduction and reef repopulation:
- It was the first facility in the world to successfully grow Mycetophyllia ferox (rough cactus coral) in an aquarium setting.
- In 2024, the FCRC delivered over 1 million coral larvae for use in restoration and research.
- In May 2025, the facility grew over 1 million Diploria labyrinthiformis larvae during a single spawning event, returning more than 500,000 directly to Florida’s Coral Reef.
[See how a collaboration is getting results for Florida’s coral reefs in the video below.]
“Coral reefs are vital to maintaining healthy ocean environments,” said Jon Peterson, president of SeaWorld Orlando. “Our collaboration with the FCRC, as well as the work being done here at the SeaWorld Coral Rescue facility, provides essential care for rescued corals, ultimately contributing to the restoration of Florida’s reef systems.”
Guests can enjoy an immersive experience, witnessing firsthand the meticulous care provided by coral conservation experts.