SeaWorld acknowledges planting worker in animal-rights group

ORLANDO, Fla. -- SeaWorld acknowledged it sent its own workers to infiltrate an animal-rights group that opposed the practices of the theme park.

The development comes months after People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals accused a SeaWorld employee of trying to incite violence while posing as a fellow animal-rights activist.

SeaWorld Entertainment CEO Joel Manby vowed Thursday to end the practice but said it had sent its employees to protect the safety of its employees and customers.

"We recognize the need to ensure that all of our security and other activities align with our core values and ethical standards," Manby said.

The company refused to say who had authorized the infiltration, however, how long it had been going on or how many workers were used to infiltrate animal-rights groups or other opponents.