Story highlights SeaWorld employees posed as PETA activists, CEO tells investors

Undercover SeaWorld employees purposely incited activists to drain water tanks and set park on fire, PETA claims

(CNN) SeaWorld said Thursday that some of its employees posed as animal rights activists with the intent of spying on protesters and critics rallying against the water theme park's treatment of animals.

This is the first time SeaWorld has publicly acknowledged espionage after it was accused of spying by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals last year.

In an earnings call on Thursday, CEO Joel Manby said the undercover employees were used to "maintain the safety and security of company employees, customers and animals in the face of credible threats."

He also announced that the SeaWorld board of directors ordered the company's management to end the practice of employees posing as animal rights activists.

Allegations of espionage

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