Yesterday evening "Blackfish" producer, Tim Zimmermann, reminded hundreds of UVM students that beyond all the pluralism and diversity in the world, there is something out there that we can all agree on: The inherently unjust captivity of wild orcas at SeaWorld. Zimmerman’s presence on campus was particularly relevant considering the fact that the CEO of SeaWorld, Joel Manby, just announced the end of the “theatrical” killer whale show by 2017. Of course, however, there’s a catch: It is only shutting down at its location in San Diego, if shutting down at all.
Not only will the killer whale show continue on at SeaWorld’s other locations, but San Diego will also merely be shifting the show’s purpose to an “all new orca experience focused on natural environment,” according to Manby. Yet this “natural environment” is forever non-replicable by the hands of man. Orcas, on average, swim 100 miles a day, and confining them to any tank is like tossing them into a bathtub for the rest of their lives.
SeaWorld is keen on claiming that Zimmerman’s documentary is propaganda, yet even one UVM student pointed out last night that the film doesn’t seem to entail a specific call to action. The film's producer responded by saying that those working behind the scenes wanted to let the facts do the talking, which is exactly what they do. The orca’s collapsed dorsal fins, which is uncommon in wild orcas, speaks wonders about the physical and mental suffering this imprisonment has caused. Zimmermann also showed a picture that encapsulates the sheer boredom and anxiety of these majestic creatures, as they have been found to aimlessly chew at the bars of their cages. He made a wonderful counterpoint to SeaWorld’s claim to fantastic medical care— these doctors are merely treating issues of which captivity is the source.
Propaganda or not, Zimmermann makes the unbiased truth clear: the captivity of wild orcas has led to tragedies among both species. We have lost lives, both orca and human, over this— and until we take a stand against animal cruelty, we will continue to disgrace those that have passed. Zimmermann explained how difficult it was for his crew to get former trainers of SeaWorld to speak out about the truth for fear of association with its corruption. The less we make this conversation taboo, however, the more we can educate others about what is really going on.
"Blackfish" is undoubtedly one of the most important documentaries of our generation, and its educative qualities continue to sweep the nation via celebrities on social media, Netflix, and other popular networks since its release in 2013. Zimmermann emphasized the power that social media has had on the shriveling attendance at SeaWorld, as well as its sharp loss in sponsorship. The "Blackfish producer made light of Jason Biggs’ satirical commercial against orca captivity, yet more extreme measures have also been taken: Southwest Airlines ended its ties with SeaWorld after a 25-year partnership.
As of today, petitions against SeaWorld are still in need of thousands of signatures. UVM is a large enough community to make a dent in this progress. Our days are busy and our nights are probably busier, but it’s moment like these that deserve a second of our time.
Often, I think college students are sick and tired of hearing that it is “up to us” to clean up the messes of the world that we didn’t make. Even if we want to resolve them, which I think most of us do, we remain stagnant by the mere fact that we aren’t given the tools to do so, or even the tools to make those tools. That’s why when we do have something tangibly resolvable, and something we are wholeheartedly passionate about, we should reach for it—here is something small we can do:
SIGN PETITIONS TO FREE THE ORCAS!
Here are some links:
https://secure.peta.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=2945
https://www.change.org/p/seaworld-end-captive-orca-breeding-program
http://therainforestsite.greatergood.com/clickToGive/trs/petition/BoycottSeaWorld
