Scandal-hit SeaWorld has announced plans to open its first park without any orcas in Abu Dhabi.

Trained orcas have long been the signature feature of the company, appearing in their logos and being pushed to tourists as the park’s main attraction.

However, faced with growing criticism from animal rights groups, SeaWorld slowly phased out its emphasis on killer whales.

After attendance was hit by negative attention surrounding the documentary “BlackFish”, SeaWorld said it would stop using the animals in its theatrical trick shows and no longer mate them.

“SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will be the first new SeaWorld without orcas, and will integrate up-close animal experiences, mega attractions and a world class aquarium, bringing the latest technology in visitor engagement,” the company said in a statement,

The Abu Dhabi location will mostly focus on ocean conservation education and will include an animal research, rescue and rehabilitation centre.

“This project presents an opportunity for collaboration and greater understanding of how species have adapted to the region’s unique marine environment, and to inspire the next generation of visitors, conservationists and animal care experts,” Joel Manby, president and chief executive officer of SeaWorld, said.

However, Jason Blaker, vice president of international campaign for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), blamed Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s tourism industry for taking a “step backwards”.

He said: “In a country with a state-of-the-art Formula One racetrack, the world’s fastest roller coaster, and buildings that push the limits of architectural imagination, tiny tanks filled with miserable animals couldn’t look more out of date or out of place.

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“Animals incarcerated in SeaWorld’s deplorable displays endure a life of misery, deprived of their families and the freedom to swim vast distances, hunt, or do anything else that is natural and important to them.”

The park is being developed by Abu Dhabi government-backed developer Miral Asset Management.

It is expected to open in 2022 in the UAE city’s Yas Island.