Think SeaWorld is Phasing Out Captivity? Think Again

Sea World’s sham headlines spread like wildfire on Monday claiming that SeaWorld would begin phasing out orca shows. A bit of clarification is needed to make sense of what was actually said.

In statements on its websites and in a press conference held on Monday, SeaWorld CEO Joel Manby outlined a new strategy for the company, fueled in part by some of its customers’ concerns about orca whales being forced to perform ‘unnatural tricks’ to amuse park patrons.

As part of a so-called “evolution” at the parks, SeaWorld announced that it will end the “theatrical” shows, in favor of shows that are more “informative” and designed to take place in a more natural setting that would carry a “conservation message inspiring people to act.” Act how? Perhaps people viewing these sad displays will be motivated to hold signs outside decrying the abysmal conditions inside.

Manby assured investors that any capital expenditures to make the tanks appear more natural will be minimal, which seems to indicate that the tanks will feature perhaps a few fake rocks – but the tanks themselves will remain fundamentally unchanged, as will the chronic social strife, depression and suffering of the orcas contained within.

While it is a good thing that SeaWorld is attempting to acknowledge the shifting public attitudes towards orca captivity, the announced superficial changes are intended only to counteract the negative PR that SeaWorld has been dealing with for nearly five years since the release of the film Blackfish, rather than any meaningful action being made to improve the lives of the orcas trapped in its parks. That evolution has yet to come.

Read more here and here.

Photo credit: Tammy Lo