SeaWorld to end killer whale breeding program
Print Edition
SEAWORLD announced yesterday it will immediately stop breeding killer whales, essentially phasing out the iconic orcas from its theme parks following years of controversy over keeping them in captivity.
Park attendance at SeaWorld dropped after the 2013 release of the documentary “Blackfish,” which was highly critical of the orca program. SeaWorld reported a fourth-quarter loss of US$11 million in February.
The company appeared to acknowledge that the criticism had helped drive the decision to end the breeding program. It also announced it would stop using the orcas in theatrical shows in the parks, instead introducing “new, inspiring natural orca encounters.”
“As society’s understanding of orcas continues to change, SeaWorld is changing with it. By making this the last generation of orcas in our care and reimagining how guests will encounter these beautiful animals, we are fulfilling our mission of providing visitors to our parks with experiences that matter,” said Joel Manby, president and chief executive officer of SeaWorld Entertainment Inc.
The new shows will begin next year at the SeaWorld Entertainment Inc’s San Diego park, before expanding to its San Antonio park and then to the Orlando, Florida, park in 2019.
Orcas have long been a centerpiece of the SeaWorld parks, with shows at the Shamu stadium in San Diego becoming the park’s main draw in the 1970s and helped make SeaWorld a top tourist attraction.
The company said it was also forming a partnership with the Humane Society to help educate guests on animal welfare and conservation issues through interpretive programs at the parks and by expanded advocacy for wild whales, seals and other marine creatures.
Criticism over keeping killer whales in captivity increased in 2010 after an orca named Tilikum grabbed trainer Dawn Brancheau after a “Dine with Shamu” show and pulled her into the pool, killing her. Tilikum, who was also involved in the deaths of two others, has been at SeaWorld Orlando for 23 years.
Last month, SeaWorld acknowledged sending workers to infiltrate the animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.
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