In an op-ed published by the Los Angeles Times, SeaWorld CEO Joel Manby stated that due to “attitudinal changes that we helped to create…this will be the last generation of orcas in SeaWorld’s care.” He added, “We are also phasing out our theatrical orca whale shows.” This announcement comes just weeks after the news spread that SeaWorld’s killer orca, Tilikum, is dying.
Manby announced that the park will not release the orcas into the wild for their own protection citing that the orcas have lived most of their lives in captivity, or were born at SeaWorld. Releasing them into the wild, according to Manby, would do them more harm than good. Stated that the orcas will continue to live at SeaWorld parks around the world “for as long as they live” And would continue to receive the best marine veterinary care. One of the orcas is pregnant.
SeaWorld was thrust into the spotlight after the popular documentary Blackfish was released in 2013. The documentary focused on the deaths of Dawn Brancheau, an orca trainer at SeaWorld, and other humans who had contact with the now well-known orca Tilikum. Tilikum, according to evidence presented in film, which was obtained by the Freedom of Information Act, drowned and ate some of his victims.
After the release of the film Animal Rights Activist began pressuring lawmakers to step in and change the way SeaWorld manages their orcas and the trainers who work with them. In response lawmakers in California banned the breeding of orcas in captivity and SeaWorld implemented new safety measures which prevents trainers from swimming with the wild animals. The impact of the Animal Rights Activism associated with the Blackfish documentary is known as the “Blackfish effect”.
It is unclear what SeaWorld will do with other marine mammals in their care, such as other dolphin species, whales, seals and walruses.
According to USA Today, the orca shows in San Diego will end in 2017. The San Antonio and Orlando SeaWorld Parks will end theatrical orca shows by 2019. In the op-ed, Manby stated that the company has not captured a wild orca in 40 years and will now work with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) to protect marine mammals. It is unclear what SeaWorld will do with other marine mammals in their care, such as other dolphin species, whales, seals and walruses.
