SeaWorld Wants To Keep Relationship With Florida Intact

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TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/AP) — SeaWorld says they want to maintain their partnership with state officials in Florida.

However, the animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), wants the Department of Education to break off their connection with the theme park.

In late September, the state briefly removed all references to SeaWorld from a website list of field trips and discounts available for teachers. But that decision was made without permission from Education Commissioner Pam Stewart. The state removed the deputy communications director who approved removing references to SeaWorld.

In a statement, SeaWorld said children have benefited from the company's partnership with the state and wants to continue its relationship with the D.O.E. to "inspire the next generation of Floridians to care for and preserve our natural world."

PETA is highly critical of SeaWorld for holding killer whales captive at its parks, including the one located in Orlando.