History of SeaWorld San Antonio in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 15, 2025

SeaWorld San Antonio, the largest of the SeaWorld parks, is a 416-acre marine mammal park, oceanarium, and animal theme park located in San Antonio, Texas. As North America's largest marine-life theme park, it focuses on conservation, education, and animal rescue efforts. The park is a member of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA) and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

May 27, 1988: Park Opening

On May 27, 1988, Sea World of Texas, built for $170 million, opened its doors to the public, drawing an attendance of 75,000 people.

November 26, 1988: First Orca Born

On November 26, 1988, Kayla, nicknamed "Baby Shamu," became the first orca to be born at SeaWorld San Antonio.

1989: Park Sold to Anheuser-Busch

In 1989, Harcourt, Brace and Jovanovich sold SeaWorld and Boardwalk and Baseball to Anheuser-Busch, Inc. after facing financial difficulties. Plans for a second Boardwalk and Baseball park adjacent to Sea World San Antonio were abandoned.

1993: Lost Lagoon Opens

In 1993, Lost Lagoon opened as a section of SeaWorld San Antonio.

2008: Anheuser-Busch Merged with InBev

In 2008, Anheuser-Busch merged with InBev, leading to changes in the ownership of SeaWorld.

2009: SeaWorld Parks Sold to Blackstone Group

In 2009, the newly merged Anheuser-Busch InBev sold the SeaWorld parks to the Blackstone Group, marking another shift in ownership.

September 5, 2011: Lost Lagoon Closes

On September 5, 2011, Lost Lagoon closed in preparation for its transformation into Aquatica San Antonio.

May 2012: Aquatica San Antonio Opens

In May 2012, during Memorial Day weekend, Aquatica San Antonio opened as a separate gated water park.

March 2016: End of Orca Breeding Program Announced

In March 2016, SeaWorld Entertainment announced the end of its orca breeding program, stating that the current generation of orcas would be the last at its parks. It was also announced that theatrical orca shows would be phased out.

2017: Blackstone Sold Stake to Zhonghong Group

In 2017, Blackstone sold its stake in SeaWorld to China's Zhonghong Group, continuing the trend of ownership changes for the park.

May 2019: New Animal Exhibit Opens

In May 2019, SeaWorld San Antonio opened its newest animal exhibit, featuring rescued loggerhead and green sea turtles living alongside schools of marine fish, supported by a natural biofiltration system.

February 22, 2020: Orca Encounter Opens

On February 22, 2020, SeaWorld San Antonio's Orca Encounter opened, replacing the theatrical orca shows with a more naturalistic presentation.

2024: Beluga Population

As of 2024, SeaWorld San Antonio is home to 10 beluga whales.

2024: Catapult Falls Opens

In 2024, Catapult Falls, the world's first launched flume ride, opened to the public at SeaWorld San Antonio. Also in the fall of 2024, it was announced SeaWorld San Antonio would retheme Sesame Street Bay of Play to SeaWorld Rescue Jr.

2025: SeaWorld Rescue Jr. Area Opens

On March 8th, 2025, SeaWorld Rescue Jr. area opened to guests, with new and rethemed rides such as Beach Rescue Racers, Ocean Quest Express, Tide Pool Tumble, Seabird Swing, and Ocean Rescue Carousel.