Nutcrackers as we know them today have been a part of holiday traditions for hundreds of years. German folk artists first began carving these popular keepsakes in the likeness of kings and soldiers in the 1700s, with teeth shown, it was said, to ward off evil spirits and protect the home.

While artist Holly Adler’s Hollywood Nutcrackers™ may still have that toothy smile, the characters she brings to life re-imagine these traditional keepsakes in whimsical ways that have made her one of the most collectible nutcracker artists of our time.

I have very exciting news! Jeni Fain, an Animal Care Specialist at Wild Arctic, and I were selected to be Conservation Ambassadors for the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund (SWBGCF). We will be participating in Polar Bears International’s Leadership Camps where we will learn about polar bears, climate change, and how each of us can help make a world of a difference. We will be traveling to Churchill Canada, the polar bear capitol of the world, to join other educators, public relations professionals, and zoo keepers from across the United States and Canada.

Sea Otter Awareness Week at SeaWorld San Diego, Sept. 23 through 29, 2012

This afternoon at SeaWorld Orlando’s Shamu Stadium, a heartwarming reunion took place right before the start of the One Ocean show. After a year of active duty in Afghanistan, Army Specialist Eric Espinosa reunited with his four-year-old daughter, Alexis.

SeaWorld San Diego joins communities around the globe today to celebrate World Oceans Day, giving guests the opportunity to learn more about the planet’s oceans and ways to help protect them. Today SeaWorld is featuring ocean-themed crafts and activities at our Pole to Pole gift shop along with a SeaWorld animal rescue team meet-and-greet. We also presented the proceeds from the first inaugural Pole to Pole Fun Run to the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute.

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment and the global children's digital media company Ruckus Media Group today announced a multi-year licensing deal to create digital storybooks that will inspire kids and families to connect with animals and the natural world. The stories will be based on SeaWorld’s animals, attractions and education and conservation efforts. This is the first digital publishing venture for SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment.

SeaWorld San Diego rolled out the red carpet for more than 200 San Diego-based Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen when hosting Fleet Week San Diego’s annual Enlisted Recognition Luncheon at the park. The service members were also treated to visits from a variety of SeaWorld’s animal ambassadors and 3of the attending Sailors and Marines won Dolphin Interactions in the luncheon’s raffle.

Right now many people are booking their Orlando vacations for spring and summer. During the planning process, the questions will arise: Do I need a car? Do I bring my own car? Rent a vehicle? Not use one at all? Don’t stress, with a little planning you can do it all and save money on gas, rental and parking fees, plus eliminate the stress of driving during your relaxing vacation.

It's not too early to think about your next vacation to Florida. See snow? Think sun.

Recent news reports made mention of snowy weather in 49 out of the 50 U.S. states. The hold-out state that that’s sure to top the list of I’ve-got-to-go-someplace-warm-for-my-vacation destinations this year?

Florida, of course. And leading the Sunshine State with the hottest, all-new vacation deals and values is SeaWorld Orlando.

The tastiest BBQ, the most authentic Latin food and the hottest names in country, classic and ‘80s rock, salsa, merengue and Spanish pop are coming to SeaWorld for two of Orlando’s most popular, bigger-than-ever, month-long events.