But more importantly, I believe that SeaWorld has turned the corner on their fundamental disagreement with the majority of the public..
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Stafford is a former SeaWorld trainer. Reports say that Tilikum, now 35 years old, may be dying.
Last year, the California Coastal Commission voted to ban captive breeding at SeaWorld’s San Diego park.
In November, SeaWorld announced it will replace its signature killer whale shows with programs focused on conservation.
In a news conference at Mission Bay, the lawmaker, joined by Assembly colleague Toni Atkins stood beside the president of SeaWorld to praise SeaWorld’s unprecedented decision to end the breeding of orcas in captivity and bring down the curtain on its Shamu entertainment shows. “Even the attempt to return the whale from Free Willy, Keiko, who was born in the wild, was a failure”.
The park and popular tourist destination has faced criticism from animal rights groups over its treatment of orcas, which opponents say are kept in tanks that are too small, fed improper diets and forced to perform tricks. SeaWorld will also expand its work caring for rescued and ailing marine mammals.
“They had to evolve because they wanted to continue to make money”, said Wendy Patrick, a business ethics lecturer at San Diego State University.
O’Barry once trained dolphins for the television series “Flipper” before advocating for their freedom.
More information from SeaWorld can be found at SeaWorldCares.com/Future. She was killed by an orca named Tilikum.
The assemblyman who’s sponsoring the bill is applauding Thursday’s announcement by SeaWorld.
In 2013, the company’s handling of killer whales came into question after the circulation of Blackfish. The company does not plan to release them into the wild or into larger sea cages, arguing that they have no skills to fight for food, or would be exposed to diseases they have no immunity to.
SeaWorld is a member of the Virginia-based organization.
SeaWorld’s shares, which have fallen about 11 percent in the past year, closed at $17.12 on Wednesday.
We are saddened to report that over the past few weeks, Tilikum’s behavior has become increasingly lethargic, and the SeaWorld veterinary and animal care teams are concerned that his health is beginning to deteriorate.
What about shows involving dolphins and other marine mammals? “But SeaWorld has to act now to move the orcas they have in their tiny tanks and other animals to sanctuaries – to a more natural life before they are forced to die as slaves in this so-called entertainment”, Williamson said.
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It also announced a partnership with the Humane Society of the United States. SeaWorld is ending its practice of killer whale breeding following years of controversy over keeping orcas in captivity. The company’s announcement on Thursday was followed by positive social media posts about the company for the first time since Manby joined the company in early 2015.
