SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment has announced they are furloughing over 90% of their employees on April 1st. Employees will not be paid after March 31st and will lose their insurance on the same day. Employees are being encouraged to file for unemployment and are still eligible to pay for insurance through COBRA.
This effects SeaWorld workers across the country, in additional to the Busch Gardens locations.
“As a company in an industry dependent on travel and tourism, the current pandemic has impacted our business significantly,” SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment officials said in a separate statement. “Our parks will remain closed and are unable to generate revenue. Therefore, we have made the painful but necessary business decision to temporarily furlough over 90% of our current workforce, including corporate employees, to position the company for long-term viability. During this time, our focus is on resuming normal operations and welcoming back guests and Ambassadors as quickly as possible.”