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SeaWorld Finally Ends Orca Breeding

What is next for the SeaWorld Orca program?

Mar 21, 2016

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SeaWorld Finally Ends Orca Breeding

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After the release of the 2013 documentary "Blackfish" the public's feelings towards the beloved Shamu shows have shifted, and began to be met with protests for the rights of these beautifully complex animals. On Thursday, SeaWorld announced it will end its killer whale breeding program and will be taking "a new direction" due to the changing social attitudes.

So now that the 24 Orcas SeaWorld currently has across three parks have been declared the last generation, what is next for the future of these whales, and the future of SeaWorld as its largest attraction comes to an end?

In an op-ed article in the Los Angeles Times Joel Manby, President and CEO stated "Most of our orcas were born at SeaWorld, and those that were born in the wild have been in our parks for the majority of their lives," he wrote. "If we release them into the ocean, they will likely die."

With this statement, he makes it abundantly clear the Orca's will remain in captivity for the remainder of their lives.

Moving forward SeaWorld has announced it will move away from its classical theatrical shows, promoting a natural encounter experience. The new experience is said in the announcement by SeaWorld to "focus on orca enrichment, exercise and overall health".

The existing pools and viewing areas will be converted and redesigned "into a more naturalistic setting" and stating they "will continue to present the whales at scheduled times before a guest audience".

The new renovations of the tanks and habitats are set to begin in San Diego next year, followed by San Antonio and then Orlando in 2019.

While the announcement of the changes is definitely a major win for animal rights activists and is certainly a testament to the power of good journalism, the fate of the whales already in captivity remains in question. The new plans for the renovation make no mention of expansion of the tanks, stating only the intention of "naturalizing" their appearance. Space for these marvelous giants was one of the main points of concern, so while the future of the orca whale is protected, what about the present? Will these new changes truly improve the lives of the whales currently in captivity in the SeaWorld parks? Only time will tell.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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