SeaWorld to end controversial orca breeding program
Digital Reporter
Thursday, March 17, 2016, 4:11 PM - On Thursday, SeaWorld Inc. announced it will end its controversial orca breeding program and the whales currently residing in its parks will be the last.
The company has also announced it will scrap plans for a $100 million project aimed at enlarging its orca habitat at its San Diego park.
Years of criticism and public outcries over the park's treatment of captive marine animals has translated into slagging attendance for the Orlando-based corporation.
"Why the big news? SeaWorld has been listening and we’re changing," SeaWorld says in a statement on its website.
"Society is changing and we’re changing with it. SeaWorld is finding new ways to continue to deliver on our purpose to inspire all our guest to take action to protect wild animals and wild places."
SeaWorld, which runs parks in Orange County, Florida; San Diego, California; and San Antonio, Texas currently owns 29 killer whales, including 6 which are on loan to third parties. The first killer whale was born in the park in 1985.
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"These majestic orcas will not be released into the ocean, nor confined to sea cages," SeaWorld says.
"They could not survive in oceans to compete for food, be exposed to unfamiliar diseases or to have to deal with environmental concerns – including pollution and other man-made threats. Instead, they will live long and healthy lives under love and care of our dedicated veterinary and other trained specialists where they can inspire this and future generations to be conservationists."
In November, SeaWorld announced it will replace its signature killer whale shows with programs focused on conservation.
"These changes are something that advocates have been urging for years and I think SeaWorld will find that visitors will reward their actions with a renewed interest in the parks," California Congressman Adam Schiff told reporters.
According to the BBC, SeaWorld's shares rose up to 6 per cent following the company's announcement.
