(BPT) – SeaWorld is one of the largest marine animal rescue organizations in the world with nearly 60 years of experience in rescuing and rehabilitating animals in need, always with the goal of returning healthy animals back to their natural environments. Today it expanded its reach with the opening of its first rescue and research center outside of the U.S. in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. Located on Yas Island, Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue (YSWRR) Abu Dhabi is also the first-of-its-kind marine animal rescue organization for the research, rescue, rehabilitation and return of marine life in the Middle East North Africa region.

YSWRR will serve as an advanced knowledge hub focusing on local Gulf marine ecosystems. This new world-class facility is led by marine scientists, veterinarians, animal care professionals, marine animal rescue experts and educators who will collaborate with peers, environmental organizations, agencies, and academic institutions to positively impact long-term conservation efforts in the region.

The opening of YSWRR establishes a global network joined to three locations adjacent to SeaWorld parks in Orlando, San Antonio and San Diego. Together the four locations support local, regional and global conservation efforts for dozens of species, many of which are threatened or endangered.

The waters of the Arabian gulf are an important marine ecosystem and integral to the Abu Dhabi community and conservation of its animals and ecosystems are vital. YSWRR is a world-class facility with a state-of-the-art veterinary hospital, rescue clinic and a wide-ranging rescue fleet.

Located on Yas Island, rescue teams are on-call 365 days a year, to respond to sick, injured and orphaned animals in need. The applied knowledge and expertise gained from nearly 60 years of caring for a vast array of animals in SeaWorld parks informs the success of rescue, rehabilitation and return of sick, injured and orphaned marine life around the world. SeaWorld has rescued more than 40,000 animals to date.

Research is a key component of SeaWorld’s larger commitment to conservation and animal welfare and was established as a priority by its founders five decades ago. This commitment includes publishing research, sharing SeaWorld parks and facilities as controlled research environments, and funding and supporting projects around the world. SeaWorld makes meaningful contributions to science through the study of animals in our care and the SeaWorld team has authored or co-authored 400+ peer-reviewed articles, book chapters and books. Additionally, the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute (HSWRI) is a non-profit scientific research organization that has provided innovative and objective scientific solutions to challenges threatening ocean health and marine life since 1963.