After years of controversy, lawsuits, pressure from environmental groups, and an Oscar-winning film, SeaWorld will stop breeding captive killer whales immediately, the Orlando-based company announced Thursday.
SeaWorld is also replacing theatrical killer whale shows and is expected to introduce “new, inspiring natural orca encounters,” according to the Orlando Sentinel.
"As society's understanding of orcas continues to change, SeaWorld is changing with it," Joel Manby, president and CEO of SeaWorld Entertainment, said in a statement. "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 changes will start next year at SeaWorld’s park in San Diego. Orlando and San Antonio will follow in 2019.
“For as long as they live, the orcas at SeaWorld will stay in our parks [and] continue to receive the highest quality care, based on the latest advances in marine veterinary medicine, science and zoological best practices,” Manby said in an op-ed published in the Los Angeles Times.
Reaction in social media was swift, contagious, and worldwide. Here’s an ongoing sampling:
We're not the only ones: celebs are pretty thrilled about #SeaWorld's big news too. https://t.co/UspuXrQXzW pic.twitter.com/iPkPiXcbGa
— The Dodo (@dodo) March 17, 2016
Happy to hear this major announcement from @SeaWorld https://t.co/txgdNKC37u
— Larry King (@kingsthings) March 17, 2016
SeaWorld announced it is ending its controversial orca shows and breeding:https://t.co/qmcS6fJQ8y
— Nat Geo Explorers (@NatGeoExplorers) March 17, 2016
This is a victory for everyone who decided to #TakeAction for orcas. THANK YOU! https://t.co/2YAwhXin0O #SeaWorldhttps://t.co/xG8hG2gOFc
— TakePart (@TakePart) March 17, 2016
#SeaWorld to stop breeding killer whales https://t.co/jPVC2UlsQl
— Reuters TV (@ReutersTV) March 17, 2016
#SeaWorld is ending its killer whale breeding program. Find out what it means for visitors: https://t.co/xnSe1dngtO pic.twitter.com/2CaqnyHOHO
— E! Online (@eonline) March 17, 2016
Breaking: The public has spoken! #SeaWorld ends orca breeding program https://t.co/yQlGc46Is8 #DolphinProject pic.twitter.com/EITKGL4HbP
— Dolphin Project (@Dolphin_Project) March 17, 2016
So proud of @HumaneSociety for role in #SeaWorld change. Today, thx to ppl who wouldn't look away, goodness won. https://t.co/l5r6UKHVjJ
— Suzy Welch (@SuzyWelch) March 17, 2016
No more #Shamu? Find out why #SeaWorld is ending their killer whale program, next on https://t.co/BqO4SKhMza pic.twitter.com/tzFrAU8czV
— CNNgo (@CNNgo) March 17, 2016
Our Campaign wins Round 1. #SeaWorld has taken a step forward but more must come. We urge kind people everywhere to keep campaigning strong!
— PETA (@peta) March 17, 2016
Really, really disappointed in #SeaWorld. You can't concede to the type of activists fighting them. Mistake from the start to try.
— Taylor Strickland (@PWT101) March 17, 2016
Wow! Joel Manby and #SeaWorld announce a bombshell: total phase-out of killer whale captivity. #Blackfish https://t.co/3NyfSjJ4Io
— Tim Zimmermann (@Earth_ist) March 17, 2016
#SeaWorld to end killer whale breeding programme and theatrical shows featuring the animals https://t.co/QjvJeOsGei pic.twitter.com/WOPKnuBdBf
— Sky News (@SkyNews) March 17, 2016
Tilly did it.. He moved so many people in his lifetime and this is the result ❤ Thank you so much, Tilikum. #Blackfish #SeaWorld
— Lilli Duncan (@Pilo2Lilo) March 17, 2016
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