Orphan Crane Chick Thriving at SeaWorld Orlando
This orphaned sandhill crane chick was rescued and brought to SeaWorld Orlando. It will be released once it has grown feathers needed for flying.
The cuteness quotient at SeaWorld Orlando has just been amped up.
An orphan sandhill crane chick, the first of the year, was brought to SeaWorld’s aviculture team by a concerned resident; the babe was just three or four days old at the time.
The chick was deemed to be in perfect health after being examined by veterinarians. It was placed with a rescued adult to learn appropriate crane behaviors, then it will be released back into the wild. The adult will be released as well.
The pairing is getting along well despite the fact orphaned chicks may not be tolerated by unfamiliar adults. The chick is eating on its own and gaining weight, reports Eric Reece, SeaWorld’s Supervisor of Aviculture.
SeaWorld Orlando has rescued 11 cranes so far this year. The chick is the first
Chick and adopted mom.
sandhill crane they’ve taken in.
Legoland Adds Agricultural Park
A greenhouse formerly used for Cypress Gardens is the latest Legoland addition, according to WESH.com.
The new section will be dedicated to agriculture, a $100 billion industry in Florida. It’s now filled with Lego farms.
A collaboration between Legoland Florida and the Florida Department of Agriculture, the attraction is titled “Fresh From Florida Greenhouse” and is designed to help kids learn about agriculture. Commissioner Adam Putnam kicked off the attraction by planting the last citrus tree.
Check out photos from Orlando Attractions magazine, and a video clip here.
Harry Potter Film Set Opens as Attraction in London
The Harry Potter films have run their course, but the fascination with the series is being kept alive in London.
Artist's rendering of new Harry Potter attraction in London (from website).
“Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter” will open March 31, showcasing all the sets, props, and costumes from the eight Harry Potter movies. No hair-raising Forbidden Journey or Flight of the Hippogriff as found in Universal Orlando, but rather a study of the details that garnered legions of fans, all staged in a hangar-like studio where the movies were made. Read More…
Thumbs Up for Spider-Man Upgrade
True to its word, The Amazing Adventures Spider-Man attraction reopened just a month after closing for renovations.
The reaction thus far has been positive, reports WESH.com. Visitors commented that the ride was “awesome” and much improved because of the 3D effect.
High-definition animation, new audio, and new Spider-Man 3D glasses are now featured, although the story is still the same with the riders being part of Spider-Man’s battle against the bad guys. Officials believe they’ve done a good job of making the attraction “more dynamic, more colorful, more intense.”
The ride’s upgrade is part of Universal Orlando’s multi-million dollar expansion.
Here’s a clip from YouTube.
Fun Spot To Add Kvasten Roller Coaster
Go-Kart mecca Fun Spot Action Park has leaked some artwork and video from its upcoming expansion scheduled for 2013, reports Richard Balbao of the Orlando Business Journal.
The expansion was announced in December 2010 and many include roller coasters, including the Scandinavian Kvasten, along with water rides, additional thrill rides, an expanded arcade/restaurant space and more go-kart tracks.
The park will rebrand itself as Fun Park America.
Paperwork Submitted But Universal Plans Still Under Wraps
Mum’s still the word when it comes to the Jaws and Amity Island replacement at Universal Orlando.
However, the resort obviously has something in mind. Reports WESH.com:
Now, Universal has filed paperwork with a state agency requesting permission to re-grade the site. The site plans, submitted by Universal and Orlando firms Highland Engineering and PVK Architects, show the outlines of the former Jaws lagoon along with proposed elevations for the new site.
A map submitted of the 7.49-acre area that’s dubbed as a main utility tie-in plan appears to show several building outlines for the site.
There’s speculation that the area may be used to expand The Wizarding World of Harry Potter with the likes of a Hogwarts Express to connect Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Jaws closed in January and the attraction was quickly demolished.
Fishing hook removed from turtle at SeaWorld
Say "Ahhh." SeaWorld’s senior veterinarian Lara Croft removes large hook from throat of a Loggerhead sea turtle.
SeaWorld senior veterinarian Lara Croft this week removed a 4-inch-long fishing hook from the throat of a sub-adult sea turtle weighing about 100 pounds.
The animal was rescued by Inwater Research Group on Feb. 26 at the intake canal at the St. Lucie Power Plant in St. Lucie, Fla. Officials report that the Loggerhead sea turtle is doing well and it is expected to be released back into its natural habitat once it has recovered.
It’s one of nine sea turtles rescued so far this year. All are intended to be released back into the wild.
The 4-inch fish hook was lodged in the turtle's throat.
The surgery was performed after X-rays and blood work procedures, and took just a couple of minutes as seen in the video.
You might say that the turtle is now off the hook.
TurtleTrek at SeaWorld debuts April 27
The new attraction brings guests close to sea turtles and manatees then immerses them in a sea turtle's epic journey with the world's first 3-D, 360-degree movie in a domed theater. Image credit: SeaWorld Orlando.
Speaking of SeaWorld Orlando, officials have announced April 27 as the grand opening of TurtleTrek, a tribute to endangered sea turtles.
Set in the new 3D dome theater, the 7-minute film follows 25 years in the life of a single turtle beginning with its hatching. Guests will then view live sea turtles along with endangered manatees in their habitats.
The new attractions replaces the Manatee Rescue rescue exhibit.
Two additional attractions are planned for SeaWorld. Discovery Cove’s Freshwater Oasis is expected to open soon, and a new “land,” Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin will open in 2012.
SeaWorld Up Close
Two recent posts give a great pictorial update on what’s going on at SeaWorld.
Orlando Theme Park News took to the air via the Sky Tower and snapped photos of construction underway on SeaWorld’s new additions. Debris from the demolition of the former Penguin Plaza was evident; it will be replaced by the new Antarctica, Empire of the Penguins exhibit. Views show that the Puffin area is gone, while the old fountain remains. A gift shop, “Friends of the Wild,” will also come down. Read More…
New Blue Man Group Debuts Feb. 25
Our man in Orlando, Seth Kubersky, attended the media preview of the new Blue Man Group at Universal Orlando, which opens to the public Feb. 24, and posted a video of the event’s finale via the Orlando Weekly.
Read More…