(deceased SeaWorld trainer) Dawn Brancheau with Nalani
In a stunning but welcoming announcement, Joel Manby, SeaWorld CEO told the world today that the killer whales currently in the care of SeaWorld will be the last generation of orcas at the marine mammal park. Manby announced several historic changes today – This year we will end all orca breeding programs, effective immeidately, and this will also be the last generation of orcas in SeaWorld’s care. We haven’t collected an orca in four decades, Manby wrote. They are also phasing out their theatrical orca whale shows.
This surprise news comes on the heels of Tilikum’s health crisis where SeaWorld has said he is dying from a bacterial lung infection. The park has 29 killer whales remaining in its care.
The theatrical shows will be phased out starting with SeaWorld’s San Diego park in 2017 and the parks in San Antonio and Orlando will be phased out by 2019.
The reason for the big news is simple : They have finally listened to those who have been against the captivity of killer whales. Society has changed and doesn’t want killer whales to put on theatrical shows at their parks at the expense of being held captive in small “bathtubs” for their entire lives.
The orcas that already preside at SeaWorld will remain. They won’t be released into the ocean, nor confined to sea cages. The proponents of releasing them into the wild would like to see these magnificent creatures swimming in their natural habitat but doing so would lead to their deaths because of their inability to compete for food. They would be exposed to unfamiliar diseases or have to deal with environmental concerns including pollution and other man-made threats, according to SeaWorld. Most of the orcas living at SeaWorld were born at the parks.
The documentary “Blackfish” was the impetus for these changes. As I stated in a previous article, SeaWorld’s sales took a significant dip after this movie was seen by millions on television. It focused on Tilikum who was ripped away from his mother at the age of two and has been held captive for 32 years.
Manby wrote that SeaWorld will have natural encounters for the killer whales but didn’t state exactly what that meant.
The plan is to have the orcas inspire this and future generations to be conservationists around the world through natural presentations that are fun, exiting and will educate guests about the plight of orcas in the wild.
PETA – People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals – wasn’t satisfied with SeaWorld’s plan. They want to see them give up the orcas altogether. “SeaWorld must open its tanks to the oceans to allow the orcas it now holds captive to have some semblance of a life outside these prison tanks,” PETA spokesperson Colleen O’Brien said in a statement.
Ric O’Barry, dolphin activist/Dolphin Project advocacy group said, “Your breeding program is ending anyhow,” citing Tilikum who is dying and has sired 14 calves while at SeaWorld for 23 years.
Blackfish director Gabriella Cowperthawaite applauds the decision but mostly applauds the public for recalibrating how they feel ethically about orcas in captivity.
The plan is to have the orcas inspire this and future generations to be conservationists around the world through natural presentations that are fun, exiting and will educate guests about the plight of orcas in the wild.
Manby wrote that Sea World and the HSUS are entering a partnership. “Together, we will work against commercial whaling and seal hunts, shark finning and ocean pollution.”
“HSUS also commends the company for ending its theatrical performances of orcas in favor of orca exhibits that highlight the whales’ natural behaviors, and for redoubling its commitment to rescue and rehabilitation model for marine animals in crisis,” the organization added.
Find out more at https://seaworldcares.com/future.
Have a story, please email me at tevangelistaepp@yahoo. Like my tv page at https://www.facebook.com/ACloseUpLookAtAnimalWelfareIssues.
After I saw Blackfish, I knew I could never go to SeaWorld. I always had nagging doubts about the whale shows and now I understand why I did. They don’t even have any shame in this. They claim how they care about the orcas when it’s clear they don’t.
This is all well and good but what happens to the orcas that are still living there? They live life in a bathtub. Wrong.
What’s going to happen to all the orcas that are still live there? They’re still living in abusive conditions. Set them free!
I can’t believe the day has come when SeaWorld is changing their ways. Hallelujah!
I saw their commercials and they plan to use the orcas in shows until 2019 and keep them for their entire lives. Still cruelty.
It’s all good in theory but what’s going to happen to the killer whales still in their program? Doomed.
The killer whales are still going to suffer. There should be other places to put them instead of their tiny pools.
Finally! I’m so happy! I saw blackfish and what Sealand and SeaWorld have done to orcas is criminal. It’s barbaric. They should be punished!
Sounds good on paper but in reality it isn’t. Not for the current orcas who live there. Plus the HSUS involved in this partnership. Interesting to say the least.
This all well and good but it doesn’t solve the problem of the whales still remaining in captivity.
Yeah, baby! Not that’s what I’m talking about!
Blackfish told a lot of lies in to portray SeaWorld bad. I’m also glad it was made so the breeding program will now end. Politics.
Thanks, this site is extremely beneficial. I wonder how Tilikum is doing. I haven’t heard anything about his health lately. His story is a sad tale of captivity gone wrong.
ur are awesome