A Season of New Arrivals at SeaWorld San Diego

Shark Encounter just got two surprise additions—baby brown banded bamboo sharks! One pup was spotted hiding under coral during a routine dive, which led to the discovery of a second. Even though no male sharks have been around for years, females of this species can store sperm, making these rare births possible. Now thriving in a specially designed behind-the-scenes habitat, guests can see them in the Turtle Up-Close Tour—just one more way we’re helping care for and conserve this Near Threatened species.

Penguin Encounter is home to three growing king penguin chicks—now juveniles—hatched earlier this year as part of our thriving 200+ bird colony. These additions bring the total number of king penguins to 20 and offer a unique glimpse into this remarkable species, known for their extended chick-rearing cycle.

Guests can spot the fluffy, penguin chicks frolicking with their feathered colony—or glide into the enchantment of the Ultimate On-Ice Penguin Experience and get an even closer look at these incredible animals.

Three fluffy flamingo chicks made their grand debut, nestled beneath their parents on classic mud mounds. Now walking, and by summer’s end, they’ll reach full size. Flamingos are dedicated parents—both mom and dad take turns feeding and incubating, even giving up some of their pink color to nourish their chicks! Once the little ones start exploring, guests can meet the flock up close during the Flamingo Up-Close Encounter.

A spunky 4-month-old southern sea otter pup who’s settling into her new home after being rescued in Monterey, CA. Found alone at just 2.5 weeks old, Jane was first cared for by Monterey Bay Aquarium before being transferred to SeaWorld, where she was deemed non-releasable by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Now thriving and bonding with the otter group—including Bennett, another rescued pup who’s taken on the role of her protective big brother—Jane is expected to join the main Wild Arctic habitat later this summer. Her journey is a heartwarming reminder of how rescue and rehabilitation efforts help protect threatened species.

We recently welcomed two adorable bottlenose dolphin calves—Jupiter and Phin—born to first-time moms Corona and Coco. These playful new arrivals are the latest generation in SeaWorld’s multigenerational dolphin pod and are being closely monitored by the expert animal care team as the curious youngsters grow, bond, and explore their surroundings.
Although Jupiter and Phin aren’t yet ready to join the pod at Dolphin Stadium, guests can still catch the remarkable progress of rescued dolphin calves, Cardiff and Chance, as they flourish and thrive!
Deemed non-releasable by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Cardiff and Chance have been hitting their developmental milestones with flying flippers. Head to the East side of Dolphin Stadium to see these precocious young dolphins bonding with their adopted mamas and learning alongside their pod family.