Sea World - San Diego, CA

San Diego is known for its amazing animal attractions, which of course brings to mind Sea World!  A regular zoo won't ever have many of the animals who lived here.  These animals are rare and live in a much larger world than ours.  Here is a glimpse of some of the animals we live here and the shows they perform.

One of the first things we saw were sea otters doing what they do best: sleeping.

This guy isn't even a part of the park.  But he definitely knows to hang around here for the free food floating around.

One of the main attractions and the cutest things there.  These dolphins loved poking their head out of the water to see whose there.

A part of the dolphin areas had a window for visitors to view.  I actually think its for the dolphins to view the visitors.

The first show of the day was the dolphin show.  The set was a good size, just large enough for them to perform.

The trainers are a part of the show.  It's obvious how close their bonds are with the dolphins, especially since all of these performing dolphins were born here in the park.

One of my favorite things is seeing these dolphins stick half their bodies out and clap with their flippers.  So cute...

One of the stars of the show had amazing jumping abilities.

Almost looks like they're walking.

Aerial acts.

Sleeping sea turtle.

Gotta have flamingos.

A small shark in the shark pool.

The best part of the shark attraction was being surrounded by them...literally.  This tunnel takes you through the main tank where the largest sharks were held.

It's amazing how many sharks lived here.  They all have a very cold look in their eyes.  Absolutely ruthless and terrifying.

This shark was above us.  Just imagine the feast they'd have if the glass broke around us.

Catfish.  Really big catfish.

Manatee eating some lettuce.

One of the most popular shows was, of course, Shamu.  We attended the day and night showing.  I've seen it before when I was younger and I noticed that it isn't as daring anymore.  It's rather tame now.  Still a great show though.  I'm glad the trainers are safer now.

Grand Shamu backflip.

Like the dolphin show, everyone in the front rows love getting splashed.  This time everyone had to chant, "Shamu! Shamu!" and make weird hand gestures.  It was kinda like cheering on gladiators in an arena, but for a killer whale instead.

Awwww...

Despite how it looks, Shamu was not attacking this trainer.

The night show was very beautiful with the setting sun and bright neon lights.

The neat screens can form 1 giant screen with 4 separate ones.  They also rotate and slide.

The beautiful neon colors reflecting off of Shamu.

These guys were lazy and aggressive.  Most just laid around and made poses like this.  Others wouldn't stop barking at each other!

More relaxing poses.

One of the few rides designed to get you wet.  The spray of water on the left is actually activated by onlookers.  Pretty funny you can soak strangers for a quarter.

My favorite part also happens to be indoors and nighttime for most of the day.  Weather is weird in the Antarctic.  These penguins were awesome though.  We could see them sleep, swim, dive, and march.  The emperors were huge.

These three always hung out together, kind like Harry, Ron and Hermione.  They eventually marched to the other side.

Coolest job ever.  I think I may have chosen the wrong profession.

One of the night shows was just a performance of song, dance and gymnastics.

The stage was lit with lots of lights.

The Cirque del Mar show made me realize the performers really aren't human.  The stage was large and very artistic.

The performers used jet ski's and other cool stuff to do their crazy stuff on.

Strength, flexibility, and balance. 

This guy was doing insane things on this pole.  No wires, no gloves.  I guess gravity doesn't affect this dude.  Not to mention his blank stares scares the crap out of me.  Truly unbelievable stuff.