SeaWorld announces orca whale-sized news, ends captive breeding program

TomoNews US 2016-03-18

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SAN DIEGO — Recently defamed animal theme park, SeaWorld, has waved a critical white flag regarding the nature of its operations. Its orca whale captive breeding program has met its end as of today.

In an op-ed published in the Los Angeles Times, SeaWorld CEO Joel Manby announced the landmark move, which acts to keep the theme park afloat heading into future amid rocky waves for the company over the past few years. Following the 2013 release of the critically-acclaimed documentary, Blackfish, which detailed the horrendous conditions and psychological trauma the orca whales in Seaworld's tanks have been subjected to for decades, the company has since been met with measurable backlash including relentless protests, dwindling attendance, and tumbling stock prices.

Last year, SeaWorld announced it would be phasing out its orca whale performance shows at its San Diego park by the end of 2016, replacing them with a simulated natural habitat, attempting to offer visitors a better understanding of how the whales might behave in the wild.

SeaWorld then got approval from the California coastal commission for a $100-million expansion to build these habitats, but only on condition that the company halt its captive breeding program permanently. After initially fighting the stipulation, this new announcement paves the way for SeaWorld to now begin transitioning from an entertainment business to one of conservation and education. A 5-year, $50-million partnership with the Humane Society of the United States was also announced today.

SeaWorld however, says it won't be releasing its remaining killer whales, claiming they would not survive in the wild having lived in captivity for most if not their entire lives.

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