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SEE: SeaWorld opens new theme park in Abu Dhabi

ORLANDO, Fla. — SeaWorld is making a huge splash across the globe.

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On Tuesday, SeaWorld Yas Island Abu Dhabi officially opened to guests on Tuesday, marking the first SeaWorld park outside of the U.S. and bringing animal encounters, educational programs and marine-life attractions to a new region of the world.

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The new park, which spans five indoor levels across more than 183,000 square miles, tells a captivating One Ocean story as guests embark on an “incredible journey of discovery from the poles to the tropics,” SeaWorld said in a news release.

“It’s a momentous day for our fans and for us at SeaWorld as we see the culmination of years of intensive planning and collaboration with our partners at Miral to bring to the region our mission of experiences that matter, and inspiring guests to protect animals and the wild wonders of our world,” Marc Swanson, CEO of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, said in a news release. “With the innovation, dynamic animal habitats and immersive nature of this park, we are bringing a next-generation experience to an entirely new region of the world that is very exciting to visit and enjoy.”

See photos of the park in the gallery below:

SEE: SeaWorld opens new theme park in Abu Dhabi

The park is also the first Global Humane certification in the Middle East and North African region, the news release states, which signifies a high standard of animal care.

“Our first certification in the region provides an opportunity to recognize the extensive reach of the animal welfare movement at zoos, aquariums, and conservation parks around the world,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane. “We are thrilled that SeaWorld has met the standards to become Global Humane Certified in this region, joining their sister parks in the U.S. that have long exemplified a high standard of animal care.”

In addition to being the first SeaWorld location outside of the U.S., SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi also marks the first new SeaWorld park in more than 30 years.

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Adam Poulisse, WFTV.com

Adam Poulisse joined WFTV in November 2019.