SeaWorld's Manatee Rescue Area Opened To The Public

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ORLANDO (CBSMiami/AP) — A new attraction at SeaWorld Orlando is giving visitors a firsthand look at how the park is helping creatures of the sea.

Visitors at SeaWorld can now see the area of the park where rescued manatees are rehabilitated.

The marine park opened the behind-the-scenes viewing area last week as part of the theme park company's efforts to show visitors the animal rescues it does.

A guided tour of the area previously had been offered but that tour became free as of last week.

SeaWorld Entertainment announced last month it was ending its orca breeding program and current theatrical shows involving orcas.

The company had faced protests from animal rights activists for years, but the heat was turned up after the 2013 release of the documentary, "Blackfish."

The documentary told the story of Tilikum, an orca responsible for the death of a SeaWorld trainer in 2010.

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