SeaWorld Shakes Up Leadership Team Amid Struggles

SeaWorld Entertainment announced Friday the replacement of several key executives as the company struggles financially amid the continued controversy over its treatment of killer whales.

CEO Joel Manby said that he had replaced the Chief Parks Operations Officer and Chief Zoological Officer through internal promotions and hired an outsider as the new San Antonio Park President. The company is also launching a resorts development group to expand its resorts, the company said.

Manby described the shakeup as an effort to “deliver on our strategic priorities.” The company has faced declining attendance and stock prices in recent years following the documentary Blackfish’s depiction of the treatment of orca whales.