George Millay

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

George Millay (4 July 1929–7 February 2006) was an American businessman and founder of SeaWorld and Wet 'n Wild water parks.

Starting as a restauranteur, Millay envisioned creating an underwater zoo. SeaWorld opened in 1964 in San Diego, California, with an orca named Shamu as its first display. Millay subsequently opened SeaWorld Ohio in 1970 and SeaWorld Orlando in 1973. He also assisted in the development of Magic Mountain.

In 1977, Millay developed the Wet n' Wild theme park in Orlando, Florida. By the time he sold the company in 1998, ten such parks were in operation. Millay was inducted into the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Hall of Fame in 1994. Ten years later, the World Waterpark Association gave him their first ever Lifetime Achievement Award and named him the official "Father of the Waterpark".

Millay died of complications from lung cancer treatment in San Diego.