A viral video is causing a heated debate online after a guest allegedly exposed a baby abandoned in SeaWorld by their drunk parent.
SeaWorld theme parks in the United States have been the scene of several scandals throughout the years, notoriously due to PETA rallying against the marine life theme park and its use of sea animals in live entertainment and interactive experiences.
Additionally, theme parks owned and operated by United Parks & Resorts Inc. (formerly SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc.) have stirred conversation following sudden closures and poor guest behavior, with one park recently being shut down, evacuating all guests after a violent fight.
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Sadly, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, another theme park in United Parks & Resorts’ portfolio, made national headlines last month after a brutal crash resulted in the death of a bystander near the Florida theme park.
Unfortunately, SeaWorld San Diego recently became the stage for an infuriating scene after guests captured an allegedly drunk parent abandoning their baby under severe weather conditions.
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TikTok user @neshataylor recently posted a video detailing that a parent had allegedly left their child unattended under a giant stuffed animal in 87-degree weather after drinking in SeaWorld San Diego.
“After waiting with the baby for 40 minutes and not being able to find the parents, I called SeaWorld security to call the cops,” the user added, sharing a clip of a SeaWorld employee standing next to the stroller outside Tentacle Twirl, a family attraction at the Southern California marine life theme park.
You can see the video below or click here to watch it.
I don’t understand #sadtok #foryou #fypage #leftalone #awful
@neshataylor I don’t understand 💔😤#sadtok #foryou #fypage #leftalone #awful
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Viewers were immediately infuriated by the video, with many asking about the baby’s health and asking the creator to share more details on the incident.
However, several were skeptical and asked the creator why she had waited so long before calling security. “40 minutes!?!? I wouldn’t wait 5 minutes to call the police,” one viewer commented.
Despite the praise many users gave the creator for allegedly caring for the baby, it appears that the viral video, which now has over 14M views, was a stunt to gain popularity and engagement on TikTok, as the baby’s mother came forward to clarify the scene in the comments.
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TikTok user @eliisaaa1 explained in the comments that her son was never left alone and that she and her family hadn’t been drinking when the video was recorded. “My son was never alone, stepdad walked up and told security we were there watching the other 2 kids get in line safely. THIS IS A LIE FOR VIEWS.”
The mother continued, “I have msged the user directly to pls blur my son’s face, as I have never posted his face on social media. She ignored me as all she wants is views. So sad!” She added, “My son was there 15mins and I was also there at the rail watching my other 2 kids in line!”
User @eliisaaa1 commented that when security arrived, they left almost immediately after being informed by the family that they were accompanying the child and he was safe. “That is why my son is with me and perfectly healthy!!” she added.
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The child’s aunt, @luisag_98, backed this story with a different comment, adding, “This baby is very well taken care of!”
Sadly, the relatives’ comments are buried under a sea of hate caused by @neshataylor’s misleading video and praise for her falsely altruistic actions.
More on SeaWorld
SeaWorld San Diego is one of the three SeaWorld marine life parks owned and operated by United Parks & Resorts Inc. (formerly SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc.) — the other two being SeaWorld San Antonio and SeaWorld Orlando. Additionally, the groundbreaking marine life park SeaWorld Abu Dhabi opened its gates in 2023.
The company also owns and operates two Busch Gardens theme parks, two Sesame Place parks, and several award-winning water parks in America.
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United Parks & Resorts Inc. describes its location in Southern California as follows:
SeaWorld® San Diego, the original SeaWorld marine-life park, combines an exciting and educational blend of animal presentations, shows and interactive experiences with thrill rides and must-see seasonal events. From the inspiring Orca Encounter to the dazzling Dolphin Days, guests are both amazed and awed as they gain a greater appreciation for some of the world’s most unique animals. They can also enjoy thrilling rides like the Electric Eel and Manta multi-launch roller coasters. The littlest visitors can delight in family-friendly rides and aquariums at Ocean Explorer and meet Elmo® and his friends at the Sesame Street Bay of Play®. Guests of all ages can touch dolphins, sharks and bat rays, and come face-to-face close to beluga whales, penguins and sea turtles.
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