After much controversy following the 2013 documentary "Blackfish," SeaWorld has finally decided to put an end to their captive breeding program. Following a brutal wave of protestors and activists, SeaWorld suffered great losses including stock crashes and poor attendance.
Other than "Blackfish," SeaWorld has been raising concern since the release of the 2012 book, "Death at SeaWorld: Shamu and the Dark Side of Killer Whales in Captivity" written by David Kirby. These factors have led to the exposure of SeaWorld's mistreatment and neglect towards these orca whales.
With this announcement, SeaWorld intends on immediately dismissing the captive breeding program and having the remaining 29 orcas be the last generation the company will ever have. They do not plan on releasing any of these mammals into the ocean, claiming they are not adjusted to the wildlife and would not survive under natural conditions.
The commission attached SeaWorld's decision to its approval of the SeaWorld San Diego tank expansion. These have all been add-ons to SeaWorld's November decision to remove their famous orca whale shows, saying that the company has shifted directions and wants to focus more on conservation.
According to the New York Times, SeaWorld said, "it would 'introduce new, inspiring, natural orca encounters, rather than theatrical shows,' at its San Diego park this year, followed by San Antonio and then Orlando in 2019".So what does this decision mean? Will orca whales finally be redeemed and kept in the wild? Or is this just a quick fix to a life-long battle between wildlife and captivity?
Only time will tell what the future holds for this company. Will activists be satisfied with this decision? Or will they keep fighting until these marine parks no longer exist?
