NEW YORK (FOX5NY.COM) - SeaWorld is bouncing back after riding out a scandal spawned by some explosive allegations outlined in a critically acclaimed documentary film.
The company that operates a chain of animal theme parks and aquariums reported a boost in attendance during the first quarter of 2018, the time frame when most of its parks are closed. Attendance rose 14.9 percent during the period to 3.2 million guests.
SeaWorld has been trying to rebuild its image and boost attendance since 2013 when the documentary Blackfish assailed the company's treatment of large marine mammals, especially its captive orcas. One of its orcas killed several people.
SeaWorld strongly pushed back against the film, calling it "inaccurate" and pointing to its programs to conserve wildlife. In 2017, SeaWorld announced that it would not breed killer whales and would stop using them in shows.