SeaWorld to End Captive Breeding of Killer Whales, Orca Shows David Kirby - TakePart
go to original March 17, 2016

Love marine life, but not into SeaWorld? Well, do we have a treat for you! This amazing footage of orca whales in the wild is truly exhilarating. (Smithsonian Channel)

In a stunning move, SeaWorld has agreed to stop breeding captive killer whales, meaning its 28 orcas will be the last generation owned by the company. SeaWorld also said it would end orca shows at all its entertainment parks by 2019.

SeaWorld made the announcement Thursday morning in a joint statement with the Humane Society of the United States, which negotiated with the company over the past few months to craft the new policy.

The company will phase out its iconic “Shamu” show at all three of its U.S. parks and replace them with presentations focused on the animals’ natural environment, and it will neither receive killer whales from foreign parks nor send whales to them, including parks it hopes to open in Asia and the Middle East.

Instead of breeding orcas, SeaWorld will now invest $50 million over five years to increase its focus on rescue and rehabilitation of marine animals in distress and bringing attention to rescued animals that cannot be released to raise awareness of their plight and educate the public about the growing threats to marine life.

Read the rest at TakePart

Related: After SeaWorld, a ‘Blackfish Effect’ on Circuses and Zoos? (CNN)

Related: Why SeaWorld’s Decision to End Orca Breeding Is Important, But Not Enough (Earth Island Journal)

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