Breaking News: SeaWorld To Stop Breeding Orcas

Following years of widespread criticism from animal advocates, SeaWorld has announced on Thursday (March 17, 2016) that it will stop its captive breeding program, making the current generation of captive orcas at the parks the last.

In an agreement with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the amusement park will be phasing out its theatrical orca shows and renew its commitment to rescuing and rehabilitating sea animals.

“As one of the largest rescue organizations in the world, we will increase our focus on rescue operations — so that the thousands of stranded marine mammals like dolphins and sea lions that cannot be released back to the wild will have a place to go,” said SeaWorld CEO Joel Manby in a press release.

The company said it would also expand its previously announced “new orca experience” planned for San Diego next year to some of its other locations. Through the partnership with HSUS, the focus will be on educating park visitors on animal welfare and conservation.

“SeaWorld has introduced more than 400 million guests to orcas, and we are proud of our part in contributing to the human understanding of these animals,” Joel Manby, SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.’s president and chief executive officer, said in a statement. “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.”

The company’s previous changes to its orca program followed governmental scrutiny regarding captive breeding on both the state and federal level. It also received public pressure and dwindling attendance numbers after the release of “Blackfish”, a 2013 documentary about how keeping orcas in captivity was dangerous to both the animals and humans.

“This is a first, massive step forward toward a more humane future for SeaWorld,” Dr. Naomi Rose, marine mammal scientist at the Animal Welfare Institute, said in the press release. “I welcome these commitments from Joel Manby. He has given SeaWorld a new lease on life.”

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