And because we love you, and we all love Orlando, here's your Valentine - a collection of heart and love from many of your favorite Central Florida attractions. Enjoy, and remember -- 50% off chocolates tomorrow!

Not all the details are clear yet, but word is brewing in travel and financial papers -- Sea World is looking set to release a $100M initial public offering (IPO). The big reason why? To end the "advisory agreement" with Blackstone, who purchased the park (along with 10 other oarks including Busch Gardens Tampa) from Annheiser Busch in 2007. Blackstone would still retain their controlling stake, however.

Revenue from the IPO -- potentially $500-600M -- could also fund more attractions, park expansions, and marketing campaigns to attract more visitors. If and when it happens, Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan Chase & Co are said to be the firms leading the offering, with the park then trading under the name Sea World Entertainment, Inc., symbol SEAS. 

The filing looks official, according to most news sources, and financial experts predict it will help the park in much teh same way a similar offering helped Disney and Universal when their parent companies announced IPOs. So be on the lookout for your chance to own stock in one of the world's biggest theme parks. Though it likely won't get you a discount on tickets.

On September 1, 2012, a pod of 22 pilot whales stranded themselves on the beach at Avalon State Park in St. Lucie County. Tragically, 18 of the 22 died in the incident, which is still being investigated to determine what might have caused the mass beaching. But there is good news for four of the whales -- Sea World Orlando's conservation and rescue team has stepped in to try to save the lives of the young whales.

The four cetacian survivors were transported from Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute Rehabilitation Center early Wednesday morning (September 5); the arrived at Sea World Orlando in guarded condition and are being watched closely for any signs of illness or distress. Here's the official word from Sea World's Conservation Blog:

"On arrival at SeaWorld Orlando, the young whales were placed in a quarantine area. They will continue to receive round-the-clock care from SeaWorld’s veterinarians and animal rescue staff. The whales, ranging in size from 130 to 325 pounds, are still in guarded condition. One of the whales – a female – is so young her teeth have not yet developed. SeaWorld’s animal experts plan to tube-feed the three older whales until they are able to eat fish."

If the whales improve (fingers crossed!), it might be possible for them to join two other pilot whales that have been in Sea World's care since last year -- two females rescued from another mass stranding in the Florida Keys in May of 2011.

SeaWorld Orlando’s Animal Rescue Team is on call 24/7 to save and care for injured, orphaned or ill animals. They have saved more than 20,000 animals to date, with the majority of those animals successfully returned to the wild.

SeaWorld's Halloween Spooktacular is considered "the ultimate family-friendly event" with good reason. This annual event is open every weekend in October (though, oddly, not on Halloween itself) and features trick-or-treating, dancing in the street with costumed characters (in some of the most beautiful costumes of any theme park, at any time of year), special "spooky" shows, and a complimentary arts and crafts area. 

The event runs during daylight hours (noon to 8 p.m.) at Sea World Orlando, so even the youngest visitors can take part in the fun without falling asleep in the middle of it all. There is even a dance party zone, complete with DJ. And it's all included in your Sea World Orlando admission price (completely unlike Disney and Universal's Halloween offerings).

For families on a vacation budget, this alone makes Spooktacular stand well above other area options. For those with a little more to spend, the daytime fun makes it very easy to hit one of the other Halloween park options after dark. Really, if you're going to Sea World Orlando on an October weekend, there's just no reason to miss it. 

Costumes are encouraged for children. Adults can be a little hit or miss; I suggest calling Sea World to make sure it's ok. You can reach them at 1-888-800-5447.

You've already heard about the incredible new attraction at SeaWorld, and if you're a 1-Year, 2-Year, or Platinum Annual Pass Member, things are about to get even better!

TurtleTrek, the two new gigantic natural habitats at SeaWorld featuring freshwater fish, manatees, over 1500 saltwater fish and more than a dozen sea turtles, is getting ready to open to the public on April 27th. Many of the graceful manatees and amazing turtles were either born at or rescued by SeaWorld, and they're ready to strut their stuff in 3D and 360 degrees. From April 28th to May 2, TurtleTrek will open an hour early, at 8am, exclusively for Pass Members.

You'll be the first to experience this astonishing new pair of habitats, and all you need to do is arrive early and show your Pass! You'll also have the opportunity to purchase exclusive TurtleTrek Member commemorative pins (limit two per Pass Member per day) at a special price, with a portion of the proceeds going to the SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Conservation Fund.

For more information about TurtleTrek, head on over to SeaWorldParks.com!

Photo courtesy of SeaWorldParks.com

This spring, get up close and personal with famed wildlife expert Jack Hanna at Seaworld Orlando. March 24 and 25 will have two shows each (1:15pm and 3:15pm) on a first-come, first-seated basis. Jungle Jack and his various animal co-stars will put on an incredible and informative show for all in attendance.

But that's not all! Pass Members are invited to an exclusive Pass Member Breakfast with Jungle Jack, so that families can have an even closer look at the animals while dining on a delicious breakfast buffet at the Seafire Inn! Jack will answer questions about animals, conservation, and the natural world. Attendees will also get special reserved seating opportunities for the 1:15pm show. Pass Members and potential Pass Members can click here for booking information.

Photo courtesy of InsideSeaworld.com.

From January 14-February 4 2012, SeaWorld is announcing an all new festival that's sure to make it THE place for kids in Orlando!

This just in! Thanks to voting fans from all over the world, Sea World Orland has officially announced the name of their baby orca:




Orlandotatic would like to join in and welcome Makaio -- which means Gift of God -- officially to the Sea World Orlando family. We can't wait to pay him a visit in 2011!

See you soon, little Makaio!

July 2010 saw more baby animal news in Sea World Parks. First, Busch Gardens welcomed the birth of their 7th Caribbean flamingo chick. The first hatched June 3, 2010, and the newest was born just this past Sunday, July 25, 2010. The babies are white and fluffy with downy feathers; they won't turn pink until they start enjoying their diet of cartenoid pigments, conveniently available in the shrimp and algae they eat every day. The chicks join a flock of 125 adult flamingos -- if you go see them at the park, keep your eye on the middle of the flock, which is where the babies tend to be kept by the protective adults.



Sister Park Sea World of Orlando is continued its efforts in the rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife in need when the rescued an abandoned baby manatee from the waters near Daytona Beach. The weeks-old female requires round-the-clock care from animal care specialists. Every three hours, she is bottle-fed nutrient-rich formula that will hopefully promote weight gain so this little girl can grow strong enough to eventually be returned to the wild. She is being weighed regularly and her progress is being carefully monitored. She is under constant care and her condition remains guarded. If the picture below is any indication (featuring Sea World Animal Care Specialist Jeff Braso), she's in extremely good hands.