Milton Shedd
Milton C. Shedd | |
|---|---|
| Born | Milton C. Shedd Template:Birth date El Paso, Texas, U.S. |
| Died | May 24, 2002 (aged 79) |
| Other names | Milt Shedd |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, conservation advocate, philanthropist, angler |
| Years active | 1952–2002 |
| Known for | Co-founder of SeaWorld |
Milton ‘Milt’ C. Shedd (September 26, 1922 – May 24, 2002) was a prominent American entrepreneur, conservation advocate, philanthropist, angler, and one of the original founders of SeaWorld.
Early life and military service
Born in El Paso, Texas and raised in Los Angeles, California, Shedd completed his education at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he obtained a degree in banking and finance while actively participating in both baseball and football teams.
During World War II, Shedd served as an officer in the U.S. Army across the Pacific theater, receiving commendations including the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart for his valor and service.
SeaWorld
In 1964, alongside three other UCLA graduates—Ken Norris, David Demott, and George Millay—Shedd co-established SeaWorld San Diego. The park officially opened its doors on March 21, 1964, showcasing marine animals such as dolphins and sea lions along with six initial attractions. To finance this venture, Shedd and principal backers secured $1.5 million (equivalent to approximately $ in ) in startup capital.
Shedd held the roles of president and chairman at SeaWorld for two decades. The media frequently dubbed him the “Walt Disney of the Sea” due to his visionary leadership. Under his guidance, SeaWorld broadened its presence with additional locations opening in Ohio by 1970 and Orlando, Florida in 1973.
Axelson Fishing Tackle Company
In 1973, Shedd and his wife Peggie purchased the Axelson Fishing Tackle Company (AFTCO), originally established by J.C. Axelson in 1958, subsequently renaming it America Fishing Tackle Company. Throughout the 1970s, Shedd partnered with fellow UCLA alumnus James L. Easton—president of Jas. D. Easton, Inc.—to innovate an aluminum rod butt design named the Unibutt; Shedd and Peggie secured exclusive naming rights for this product. The company expanded its offerings by launching the Bluewater Wear sports apparel collection in 1989.
Philanthropy and conservation
Shedd founded the Mission Bay Research Foundation in 1963 to support marine science research; this organization was renamed the Hubbs-Sea World Research Institute in 1977 to honor renowned fishery biologists Carl and Laura Hubbs. Additionally, he played a key role in establishing UCLA's Marine Science Center aimed at educating instructors about marine ecosystems. His conservation initiatives included advocating for the prohibition of shark longlining along California’s coast and efforts to replenish white seabass populations. Notably, he contributed to the creation and funding of a $4.8 million, 10-acre hatchery for white seabass located in Carlsbad, California, which commenced operations in 1995.
Personal life
Recognized as a pioneer of live-bait casting techniques for marlin fishing since 1952, Shedd was honored by Sport Fishing Magazine in 2000 for popularizing this approach. That same year, he introduced specialized 10-foot casting rods known as "Miltie Sticks" within Southern California markets. Among his numerous honors were a lifetime achievement award from the Audubon Society’s Living Oceans Program and UCLA’s Professional Achievement Award; posthumously, he was inducted into the IGFA Hall of Fame in 2006.
Shedd and his wife Peggie had three children—Carol, Steve, and Bill—and upon his death from cancer at age 79 in 2002, he was survived by nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild.