SeaWorld traces its founding back to 1964 when four young entrepreneurs—Milton C. Shedd, Ken Norris, David DeMott, and George Millay—opened the original marine zoological park in San Diego, California, designed to showcase aquatic life through educational shows and interactive exhibits. Over subsequent decades, the enterprise expanded rapidly, opening major destination parks in Orlando and San Antonio, introducing iconic killer whale presentations, and developing a massive corporate portfolio under various entertainment conglomerates. In recent years, the company underwent significant strategic rebranding, executive restructuring, and operational pivots toward thrilling roller coaster attractions and marine conservation education following shifting public attitudes toward captive marine mammals.