SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment announced Thursday a food policy that will focus on responsible and sustainable sourcing. The policy will affect all 12 parks, including SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens.
- The company announced three commitments:
- By the end of 2016, SeaWorld will purchase all pork cuts, such as ribs and loins, from suppliers who have announced a commitment to humane farming practices.
- All eggs will be sourced from cage-free chickens by the end of 2017 – including shell and liquid eggs
- The company is expanding park menus to include more plant-based options.
The new policy is meant to enhance previously announced commitments, including serving seafood sourced from either sustainably managed fisheries or aquaculture (including the seafood it serves to fish-eating animals in its parks).
“We are committed to responsibly sourcing food for our guests and ambassador team members within our parks,” said SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment president and CEO, Joel Manby in a statement released Thursday. “This announcement builds on SeaWorld’s existing sustainable practice, and this new commitment fulfills goals established with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) in March of this year.”
Chief procurement officer Norbert Dean added, “As a company committed to conservation and the welfare of animals, we believe our food procurement can and should reflect a focus on the welfare of animals, a healthier planet and healthier people.”