By Cara Wilson-Granat/ OBRag

If I could sit down with the Sea World executives, I would share my vision for their new park.

Since I’m an incurable optimist I believe that wishes do in time come true. I’ve dedicated my life to talking and writing about the power of hope — even when all seems so hopeless. Indeed, one of the most famous Holocaust survivors was the one who told me that “Even if the end of the world would be imminent, you still plant a tree today.” Those words were expressed to me years ago by the father of Anne Frank, Otto Frank. He gave me hope as he did a worldwide global family.

So surrounded by others who are strong believers in seeing a harmonious world for orcas, dolphins, indeed, all captive beings I appeal to Sea World to “sea” your next 50 years as the one we all wish to celebrate.

Welcome to a Brand New SeaWorld – Where the Only Thing Captive Is Your Imagination!

You have asked for change to happen in SeaWorld and we have listened, working closely with some of the top marine biologists, animal behaviorists, wildlife sanctuary experts, all of the passionate animal activists, documentarians and politicians, etc., as well as a global family of animal-lovers who have offered wise perspective on the best ways to transform Sea World into a whole new world for our until now captive animals.

We are about to introduce the most exciting wildlife and family entertainment venue the world has ever experienced before. Once inside the gates of our new Sea World of the future, guests will be immersed in layers of multi-media—sounds and sights and interactive rides and vibrant sensations that bring orcas and dolphins breathtakingly close to everyone.

And yet, in reality, the real marine mammals will be free to live out their lives in sea pens—protected sanctuaries—away from the public and without any human-provoked performances of any kind. The only human interaction these animals will have is from veterinarians and biologists watching over them.

This will be a Sea World that truly educates as well as entertains. Guests will leave feeling wildly entertained as well as far more knowledgeable about the marine world than they ever were before.

 What Sea World will offer is astounding:

 A Whale of a Ride: The wildest “roller-coaster in the world!” Sitting on the back of a “whale” you reach huge heights and then plunge deep into the depths of the sea feeling what it’s like to breach and dive like a whale.

 Pick a Wave: Want to feel what it feels like to be splashed on by an orca? Pick wave sizes from huge to small and get ready to be soaked as you sit on bleachers next to wave after wave splashing you.

 IMAX-imum multi-media: Be surrounded by the sights and sounds of orcas in their pods swimming in the ocean through rain and thunder and lightning and beautiful sunrises and sunsets, etc.

 The Languages of Whales and Dolphins: They all are unique just like the world’s human languages. At this exhibit we hear most of the world’s languages and also hear the languages of orcas. Now we can hear what orcas from different parts of the world talk like when communicating to each other. What are the sounds of happiness? Fear? Humor?

 Can You Guess What This Is? Put your hands inside the box and feel the rubbery sensation of an orca and dolphin, a penguin, a starfish, etc. None are real but they feel exactly like the real thing.

 I Sea You: As seen on huge screens throughout the park, all marine mammals are observed as they live out their lives freely in the sequestered sanctuaries. They cannot see the public but the public can see them.

 Recycle and Save the Sea: “Ride” on a boat through islands of plastic waste like bumper cars until you “net” it all and find yourself in clear pools and waterfalls free of the human plastic pollution.

 Sea Monsters: Interact with whales and dolphins in a 3-dimensional holographic encounter! Plunge deep into the sea encountering huge sea monsters, squid, fish, octopus, etc. that look at everyone like future meals. It is totally scary and realistic and wild.

 Rock On: Some of the most record-breaking musical entertainers in the world will perform in acts that will rival those offered in Las Vegas and Broadway.

 Children’s Choirs: Children from all over the world will perform uplifting songs sung in their languages, including sign languages: “Be Brave”; “Let it Go”; “Color of the Wind”, etc.

This is just a peek at what we will be offering you. There will be so many more surprises you just have to SEA it to believe it!

… We know …  we know … But don’t you just wish this were true?  This all could be true if SeaWorld would realize how very possible this is. We’re not asking SeaWorld to shut down, just open up to a whole new vision that would look like this and so much more. SeaWorld, are you listening…?

graphic by Barb Dunsmore