Loop 034 printable

Volume 2, No. 10. June 14, 2002

New Arrivals

It’s an animal show!
SeaWorld San Diego in California announces the arrival of Pets Rule! May 24, 2002. Measurements: 30-minute show depending on the performers’ moods, 60 cats, 40 dogs, “hundreds of birds” and 10 trainers. Delivered by animal shelters and rescue organizations.

Considering the rags-to-riches tails that populate the Pets Playhouse stage in SeaWorld’s newest show, the special guest at the gala premier was wholly appropriate: Benji, the star of movies past and a new one to come. Her owner, Joe Camp, performed a short demonstration with Benji, then brought her out after the show for a meet-and-greet with park guests, media members and invited groups representing local animal shelters.

Between Benji’s opening act and concluding spotlight, the real stars took the stage, like Floyd, a dog who was separated from his family during Hurricane Floyd and rescued by SeaWorld Orlando trainers. Sampson, another dog, was relinquished by his owners because he was “too energetic,” said Kelly Terry, the park’s public relations representative. He now dances in the show.

“We got a good response from local animal shelters,” Terry said. “They liked the message of giving animals a chance and not giving up on animals right away.”