It’s official - a rescue fur seal named Mickey has helped Sea World celebrate a seriously seal-ebratory milestone of 500,000 containers returned through Containers for Change!

Thousands of Sea World visitors have helped make it happen, recycling their eligible bottles and cans while enjoying their day out.

Since joining the scheme in 2022, container returns at Sea World have raised $50,000 for the Sea World Foundation, supporting marine wildlife rescue, research and conservation projects.

Containers for Change at Sea World: how simple recycling creates real impact

With 50 Containers for Change bins dotted throughout Sea World, it couldn’t be easier for visitors to do the right thing between shows, rides and ocean adventures.

It’s a simple habit that keeps containers out of landfill and out of our waterways, where they can seriously harm wildlife.

Even better, every eligible bottle, can and carton returned earns a 10-cent refund, which is donated to the Sea World Foundation to support their vital marine conservation work.

Mickey the Seal Helps Celebrate 500,000 Containers Returned

The milestone container was returned by a very special guest - Mickey, one of Sea World’s rescue New Zealand fur seals and a star of the Seal Guardians presentation.

Mickey helped mark the occasion during a live demonstration, much to the delight of visitors, as the 500,000th container was officially returned.

Safe to say he’s now upgraded his résumé with a brand-new title: recycling champion ♻️

Sea World Foundation partnership driving marine conservation impact

Wayne Phillips, Head of Marine Sciences at the Sea World Foundation, said the milestone shows what’s possible when community action and partnership come together.

“We were thrilled to partner with Containers for Change and join them in their mission to reduce container litter and increase community recycling efforts, and it an amazing milestone to reach 500,000 containers returned at Sea World,” Mr Phillips said.

“Sadly, at Sea World Foundation, we see first-hand the damage plastic pollution and debris are doing to marine wildlife, but thanks to the wonderful partnership with Containers for Change, the 500,000 containers returned has helped directly fund our rescue efforts to save marine animals such as whales, dolphins, dugongs, seals, sharks, sea turtles and seabirds.

“Through our partnership, we educate over a million people every year through the Seal Guardians presentation, and we thought it was only fitting for Mickey to do the honour of returning the 500,000th container.”

Small actions. Big splash.

Every eligible container returned through Containers for Change helps create positive change across Queensland.

Together, Queenslanders have now returned billions of containers, proving that small everyday actions add up to meaningful environmental impact.

Sea World’s milestone is another great reminder that when lots of people do one small thing, it can create a big wave of change.

Want to help the Sea World Foundation?

Next time you’re at Sea World, keep an eye out for the Containers for Change bins and pop your eligible containers in as you go.

You can also donate your 10-cent refunds directly to the Sea World Foundation when returning containers elsewhere. Simply use member number C10601693 at your local refund point.

Because every bottle and can has the power to help protect the incredible marine life we all love – just like Mickey!

Ready to make your impact?

Sign up for a member number and start tracking your returns today. 

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