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Theme Park Guest’s Bizarre Behavior Raises Concerns About Animal Health

A recent incident at SeaWorld San Diego has drawn widespread attention after a guest was filmed drinking directly from a bat ray touch pool. In a video that emerged on social media, the individual repeatedly cupped his hands to drink the salt water that serves as the habitat for these marine animals.

seaworld san diego in 1964
Credit: SeaWorld San Diego

The theme park guest seemed unfazed by the horrified reactions of nearby visitors. The footage, shared on Reddit by u/pittNPatter, shows the man engaging in this behavior for approximately ten seconds, raising eyebrows over his apparent disregard for the animals’ environment and public safety.

Umm?? I don’t even know.

Umm?? I don’t even know.
byu/pittNPatter inSeaWorld

Some commenters suggested that the man “faked” ingesting the water for social media clout, but the SeaWorld San Diego guest stated otherwise: “He was doing it for a bit before I took the video.”

This type of behavior raises significant concerns about the safety and well-being of the animals within the enclosure. Touch pools are designed to provide interactive educational experiences for guests, but actions like these can compromise the integrity of the water environment.

A man and a girl pet rays at SeaWorld.
Credit: SeaWorld

Introducing human bacteria and saliva can alter the ecosystem’s delicate balance. It could potentially introduce pathogens harmful to the rays and other animals housed in the aquarium. SeaWorld San Diego emphasizes the importance of hygiene and safety protocols for guests and animals; violations of these practices can harm the animals’ health and habitat.

While it remains unclear whether the individual faced any official repercussions for his actions, the potential for negative consequences is evident. Numerous commenters on social media speculated about the likelihood of the guest experiencing adverse physical effects as a result of drinking saltwater and other possible contaminants.

A vibrant, blue roller coaster curves and twists above a water feature under a night sky. The coaster is illuminated, highlighting its structure against the dark background, with trees and lights in the distance.
Credit: SeaWorld

“He is gonna get massive diarrhea later today,” one Redditor wrote. “…The salt content alone can do that.”

Should theme park guests face punishment for this kind of behavior? Share your opinion with Disney Dining in the comments. 

Jess Colopy

Jess Colopy is a Disney College Program alum and kid-at-heart. When she’s not furiously typing in a coffee shop, you can find her on the hunt for the newest Stitch pin.

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