Restoring health to stranded animals takes a great deal of time and effort. The eventual outcome of an animal depends upon its initial condition when rescued. Juveniles often have a better chance of recovery than adults.

The main objective of the SeaWorld Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Program is to return rehabilitated animals to the wild.

Chronically debilitated animals may be kept at SeaWorld parks, or other NMFS authorized facilities, on public display or in off-exhibit enclosures.

The number of animals rescued each year varies widely with weather conditions, food availability, animal population levels, and other factors.

Between 1990 and 1994, more than 3,000 stranded animals were rescued by or brought to SeaWorld parks. SeaWorld of California alone received more than 960 mammals and, following successful rehabilitation, released 484.

SeaWorld of California has treated as many as 475 marine mammals in a year. Aviculturists rehabilitate as many as 400 birds each year.

SeaWorld of Florida is one of the founding institutions of the Southeastern U.S. Marine Mammal Stranding Network (SEUS). SeaWorld of Florida rescues 20 to 40 stranded marine mammals annually, primarily manatees. SeaWorld of Florida also rescues 100 to 200 birds and 40 to 50 sea turtles each year. In 1990, SeaWorld Research Biologist Dr. Daniel Odell received a Presidential Point of Light award from President George Bush for his work with the Stranding Network.

SeaWorld covers all expenses of its Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Program including staff, transportation, and facilities at an annual cost estimated at more than $1 million.