Big step in the right direction for SeaWorld
Two orcas at SeaWorld Orlando preforming the Believe show in 2013.
SeaWorld has been under attack by animal activists since they opened their doors in 1959 because of their poor animal care and their morals, which includes the amount of care they believe the orcas should get as wild animals as well as the work they are forced to do because they are withheld food if they do not preform to the trainers liking. In 2013 when the anti-SeaWorld documentary, Blackfish, was released it got all kinds of people with the “Free the whales” strikes and boycotts. (For more information visit www.blackfishmovie.com ) They were harshly scrutinized because many people believe that animals of that size and power should not be contained in a small container that would compare to the size of a bath tub to them. Another problem people have with the organization is how much the orcas get injured while in captivity and the amount of care they get, which is by far too much. They’re wild animals and they have survived thousands of years without vet care so they can continue to do so.
In the middle of March, California passed a law that prohibited breeding in captivity. (www.leginfo.ca.gov/calaw.html ) SeaWorld San Diego proceeded to sue California. “This last-minute ‘no breeding or transfer’ condition is unprecedented,” said SeaWorld. Noaki Schwartz, spokeswoman for the Coastal Commission, had no comment except that she stood by her decision about the ban. (For more information about this interview visit www.thebigstory.com)
SeaWorld had an upcoming $100 million project, “Blue World,” in the works. According to SeaWorld CEO, Joel Manby , “The new project will build on SeaWorld’s legacy of providing state-of-the- art, innovative homes for its animals, and will offer park guests unique and inspiring killer whale encounters for generations to come.” (https://seaworldentertainment.com/en/media/company-news/blue-world-project/ ) This has been talked about and sponsored since 2014 and was projected to start later this year.
As of March 17, 2016, SeaWorld will no longer be breading their killer whales. This is a huge step for them because they thrive off of the profits from the shows and the donations. This will be the last generation of orcas at all SeaWorld parks because they will not be collecting them from the wild either. They have yet to say what they will be doing with their tank space after all of the orcas have passed away. Others are also very interested in finding out how they will incorporate the beautiful animals into the parks once they’re gone for good. For more information and updates on the issue, visit
