Around the world, keeping animals in captivity has been a sickening source of entertainment for decades. The United States acts as a host to some of the largest organizations that make up this murderous billion-dollar industry. While some believe that companies, like SeaWorld, contribute to the scientific community, others contend that there should be no animals confined anywhere in the world. However, both ideas do not take into account the disgusting treatment of orca whales at SeaWorld and the immediate need for the company to be shut down. The practice of imprisoning animals is criminal.
Contrary to popular opinion, SeaWorld is a cruel company. Each year, millions of people flock to SeaWorld’s world-renowned marine mammal parks to see the unbelievable orca whales. These millions of visitors marvel at the beauty of Seaworld’s victims as the helpless orcas swim in circles around their chlorinated prison cells. The picture Seaworld paints for its visitors is the complete opposite of what is actually occurring. Instead of swimming over 100 miles a day (as they would in the wild), orcas held captive at Seaworld are confined to a cramped tank that is not remotely similar to their natural habitats. Source D compares the benefits and drawbacks to keeping whales in captivity: “...the psychological and physical harm done to these magnificent animals far outweighs any benefits reaped from their display.” SeaWorld claims that holding orcas in captivity helps to improve the scientific community; however, the insanity and mental state the whales are driven to is not “helpful to the scientific community”. It is torture. Source B furthers my argument that whales suffer from captive conditions, “... that can produce immune dysfunction, infections, reproductive problems, and potentially lethal aggression among the whales.” SeaWorld claims that by keeping whales in captivity, they are shielding them from issues they would face in the wild like pollution and whaling. However, when making that statement, they do not take into account the psychological torture being trapped in a tank causes. Source A mournfully describes the inhumane conditions in which the helpless orcas were captured in: “They told us only to catch the little ones. Even though they’re big, they would be cheaper to ship.” Taking whales out of their natural habitat and separating them from their family, the most important thing to an orca, is a disgusting crime.
SeaWorld has blood on its hands. Whenever a tragedy occurs at one of their parks, SeaWorld is the first to blame any one except for the whales. They will point fingers at the victim or anyone who is not the true culprit of the crime. Source E provides statistics on the effects that captive animals has had on those involved with them. “At least 15% of SeaWorld’s whales have attacked a trainer over the last five decades.” This startling statistic shows that it is extremely unsafe for humans to be interacting on a close level with these massive mammals. Source C supports my argument by providing details on the anger of SeaWorld’s largest whale: Tilikum. “SeaWorld's killer whale Tilikum broke its trainer's jaw, fractured part of her vertebra and dislocated one of her elbows and a knee while thrashing her around its pool…” The murder of Dawn Brancheau was no accident: it was the psychotic break of a whale held prisoner. The anger of these once free animals has lead to deaths. While the whales may be the ones committing the murder, they are not the criminals.
The despicable acts of SeaWorld are upsetting to anyone who is accurately informed. However, an end to the crime may possibly be in sight. Source F reports that SeaWorld is finally phasing out keeping the whales in captivity: “SeaWorld will end theatrical orca shows at its theme park in San Diego next year as part of a comprehensive overhaul of the company in the wake of mounting protests over its treatment of animals.” Ending orca imprisonment, while great, does not excuse nor dismiss the decades of their suffering.
