SeaWorld has confirmed that they will no longer breed orcas for captivity in their marine parks.
In a statement released on Thursday SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.’s CEO Joel Manby said the company was ending its breeding programme immediately and vowed that the current crop of orcas – or killer whales – would be the last generation to be enclosed at SeaWorld locations.
“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 Manby.
The company plans on rolling out orca experiences for its guests in more natural settings which will begin over the next few years in its parks in San Diego, San Antonio, and Orlando, Florida.
SeaWorld was the subject of 2013 documentary Blackfish which saw many former park employees come forward to speak out about the company’s treatment of orcas, in particular one orca named Tilikum who killed a trainer in front of a park crowd in 2010. Film audience’s reaction to the film brought much controversy for the marine parks.
Protesters flock to SeaWorld sites everyday to try and save orcas in its care.
A statement on the SeaWorld website acknowledges the public pressure that forced the company to change its stance on its treatment of the orcas in its care.
The site states:
“SeaWorld has been listening and we’re changing. Society is changing and we’re changing with it.”
SeaWorld also explains that the current population of orcas at SeaWorld will not be released to the wild as they have spent their whole lives in captivity and therefore stand no chance of making it on their own.
“These majestic orcas will not be released into the ocean, nor confined to sea cages. 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.”
Sadly, one SeaWorld orca, Takara became pregnant last year so her calf will likely be the last orca born in captivity. And because these majestic creatures live for up to 50 years Takara’s offspring may have a future of living decades alone.
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