SeaWorld Entertainment will change the company’s security and risk management policies and controls, and end a practice in which a San Diego employee posed as an animal rights activist, it was announced Thursday.
The announcement came as the theme park operator announced its quarterly and full-year financial results, which reflect a continued decline in SeaWorld San Diego attendance. SeaWorld Board of Directors decided to drop the practice after an investigation performed by outside counsel.
“We recognize the need to ensure that all of our security and other activities align with our core values and ethical standards,” said Joel Manby, president and CEO of SeaWorld Entertainment Inc. “As always, the security and well-being of our employees, customers and animals remain at the forefront of our business practices.”
In July, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals alleged that SeaWorld employee Paul McComb had been posing as an animal rights activist in order to spy on their group.
PETA has been protesting against SeaWorld for years, alleging mistreatment of its killer whales.
After PETA leveled the allegations, SeaWorld suspended McComb and launched the investigation. The company said today that personnel matters were handled internally, and that McComb has returned to work.
A consultant was hired to “evaluate current controls and develop new policies and standards to ensure best practices company-wide,” according to Manby.
SeaWorld announced net income of $49.1 million in 2015, or 57 cents a share, compared to $49.9 million the year before, also 57 cents per share.
In the final quarter, the company reported a net loss of $11 million, or 13 cents per share, compared to a loss of $25.4 million, or 29 cents a share, in the last quarter of 2014.
Manby said the financial picture showed “continued indications that the business is stabilizing.” He said attendance was up company-wide, but still down in at SeaWorld and Aquatic waterparks in San Diego and San Antonio.
Attendance in San Diego has been in decline since the documentary “Blackfish” bolstered PETA’s arguments in 2013. SeaWorld officials deny the claims made in the film.
—City News Service
