As we enter into a new year, it’s inspiring to look back and reflect on all that was accomplished the year before. Here at SeaWorld Orlando, a large part of what makes us who we are is the incredible animal rescue, rehabilitation and return efforts that happen on a daily basis.

From tiny newborn turtle hatchlings to manatees weighing more than half a ton, we’ve had the extraordinary privilege to care for some amazing animals and then return them to their natural environment, which is always our goal.

One of the highlights of snorkeling in the Grand Reef at Discovery Cove are the colorful, unique-looking fish that swim below and beside you. Now,the tropical fish at Discovery Cove have also played a huge role in a new development with the Rising Tide Conservation project. Rising Tide Conservation is an initiative of the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund.

A loggerhead sea turtle was returned to the Indian River Wednseday, June 17 near where it was rescued last December.

Currently, I help supervise the Animal Ambassador Team (AAT) at SeaWorld Orlando. This is an area of the training department that many of you may not realize exists, but you’ve probably seen in action. You may have interacted with the animals at the SeaGarden, attend a school where we’ve made an educational visit, or seen animals on one of our many appearances on TV.

SeaWorld Orlando animal rescue team received two hawksbill turtle hatchlings earlier this week. They are approximately two months old.

The first was found at Melbourne Beach by a tourist and was dropped off at the Sea Turtle Preservation Society in Melbourne Beach, Fla. It weighs only 2 ounces and is nearly 3 inches long. The turtle was in lethargic and weak condition when it arrived.

Yesterday morning, SeaWorld Orlando’s senior veterinarian performed surgery on a rescued sea turtle, removing a large fishing hook from its throat.

This morning SeaWorld Orlando’s animal care team traveled to Satellite Beach, Fla., a warm-water site, to release two manatees into a side canal off of the Banana River. Both animals were rescued and transported to SeaWorld Orlando last winter by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), who was also on-site assisting with today’s release.

Hornbills are unique birds that look spookier than they are. Native to coastal forests and woodland areas throughout Africa, a silvery-cheeked hornbill named George calls SeaWorld Orlando home, and makes appearances as an animal ambassador. Let’s discover more about the distinctive hornbill:

Fall is in the air, and at Discovery Cove, so are exotic birds. There’s a pleasant variety of beautiful birds at Explorer’s Aviary – one of which is extremely unique. Houston is a white-bellied go-away bird that’s been at the Discovery Cove habitat since the park’s opening in 2000. He may tell you, “G’way”, but he would love to meet you!

In the last 100 years, the African Painted Dog population has dropped a whopping 99% - down to just 3000 remaining dogs – making them one of the rarest species in all of Africa. These precious pups are often the victims of poaching, killings by farmers and run-ins with automobile traffic. But one organization has vowed to come to the aid of these defenseless dogs. The Painted Dog Conservation Program (PDCP) is focusing on research, education and community development in order to save them.