In a surprise move, SeaWorld today announced its decision to end the breeding of orcas (also known as killer whales) at all of its marine park facilities. The decision was reportedly made through discussions with The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), which has partnered with SeaWorld to influence and guide a change in the company’s priorities.
“Born Free USA and the Born Free Foundation welcome the news that SeaWorld is to end the breeding of its 29 orcas,” stated Daniel Turner, Born Free spokesperson. “However, the company still owns 29 orcas housed in restrictive and inadequate captive environments, which compromise the welfare of the orcas. We call on SeaWorld to seek higher welfare standards for their orcas and work to move them to a sea pen marine sanctuary instead of having them languish in captivity.”[teaserbreak]
SeaWorld has been particularly under fire since 2013 with the release of the documentary film, Blackfish, which exposed the suffering caused to orcas, and potentially other dolphin species, by captivity. Public concern caused a decline in ticket sales and, as a result, a fall in SeaWorld’s value on the stock market. This led the multi-million dollar company to launch its “Blue World Project,” proposing larger tanks for its orcas at its San Diego facility. The application to the California Coastal Commission to increase its tank sizes was then only permitted if SeaWorld agreed not to breed its animals, or transfer them to another facility. This week, we heard the sad news that Tilikum, SeaWorld’s most famous captive orca and “Chief Sperm Bank,” is dying. The cards have been stacked against SeaWorld for some time.
“Born Free, which works tirelessly to challenge the captive marine mammal industry and its significance to species conservation, will continue to focus on improving the welfare of orcas (and other dolphin species) in captivity,” explained Turner. “And, we will continue to keep a vigilant eye on SeaWorld and its actions, to ensure their newfound direction remains on track.”