The Truth About Captive Marine Life: A Call to Release Orcas

Recent research has revealed a disturbing truth about captive marine life, despite the joy we feel when watching dolphins and whales perform tricks in amusement parks and zoos. Although these animals may seem happy and unharmed, they actually endure harsh conditions. Blackfish, PETA, and the Animal Welfare Institute have compared the quality of life for marine animals in captivity with those in the wild. The examples provided by these organizations demonstrate that animals thrive and live longer in their natural habitats.

To prevent further harm to captive Orcas and their species, it is imperative to close down all SeaWorld parks and release the Orca whales. A groundbreaking documentary released in 2013 permanently altered the destiny of animals held in captivity.

The controversial and inspiring documentary Blackfish, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and was quickly acquired by Magnolia Pictures and CNN Films, has gained popularity. Directed by Gabriela Copwerthwaite and her team who dedicated years to researching and producing this influential film, it earned over two million dollars at the box office in just one year.

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The documentary focuses on Tilikum, a famous killer whale known for his large size and collapsed dorsal fin. It explores the mistreatment and confinement of Tilikum as well as the attacks on three whale trainers who worked at Sea World. These deaths were a result of keeping them in small floating cages barely larger than their own bodies. Tilikum was captured as a baby off the coast of Ireland in 1983. SeaWorld's practice of capturing orca whales takes them away from their natural habitat and places them in inadequate living spaces.

Consequently, these whales often become aggressive due to being accustomed to freely roaming vast oceans.

While in captivity at Sea World, Orcas have a significantly shorter lifespan compared to their free counterparts. Tilikum, who is currently held captive by Sea World, is confined and only able to move during shows. Numerous activists and former Sea World Employees have united in movements and made appearances on the news, advocating for the release of these whales.

There are numerous distinctions between whales in captivity and whales in their natural habitat. Instructors have documented countless injuries caused by orcas; however, wild killer whales have never been recorded harming humans. SeaWorld used to inform their audience that whales in the wild lived for 25-30 years, while those in captivity lived longer due to receiving veterinary care. Yet, Howard Garret, a killer whale expert, asserts that orcas in the wild have lived over 100 years. SeaWorld claimed that 25% of orca whales worldwide had collapsed dorsal fins, which resulted from factors such as gravity, dehydration, illness, and injury. However, only 1% of wild orca whales have collapsed dorsal fins, while all captive whales do. The high number of attacks at SeaWorld directly correlates with the treatment and territory provided to the whales. SeaWorld asserted that the show's whales were all part of the same family, but they were actually sourced from different parts of the world. The aggressive living environment caused by grouping these orca whales together leads to aggression among them. This aggression is typically directed towards other whales but sometimes results in attacks on SeaWorld trainers.

The same whale, Tilikum, has attacked trainers and killed two on three separate occasions. In response to these incidents, SeaWorld trainers are now prohibited from entering the water with the orcas during live shows. Tilikum is currently confined to a small pool for the remainder of his life, living in captivity. Occasionally, he emerges at the end of the show to make a splash. Blackfish serves as a compelling illustration of why animal captivity is an inappropriate existence for marine creatures.

PETA and Gabriela Copwerthwaite share a common goal of combating cruelty in captivity and ending brutality. The release of the documentary Blackfish in 2013 sparked a global outcry against animal mistreatment. In a recent article, PETA highlighted the ethical concerns surrounding marine life held captive, particularly dolphins used as attractions in theme parks and resorts where they are forced to perform. Oceanographer Jean-Michel Cousteau compared orcas confined within tanks to being blindfolded in a prison cell. Trainers often deprive animals of food and subject them to torture for educational purposes, leading to stress-induced behaviors like self-inflicted injuries, induced vomiting, and aggression. Some captive dolphins have even taken their own lives by repeatedly hitting their heads against pool walls or refusing to surface for air. It is important to note that there are no documented cases of whales or dolphins committing suicide in their natural environments. Hersheypark, SeaWorld, and other marine amusement parks argue that their animals thrive under the care of dedicated staff members and veterinarians; however, evidence shows that animals suffer more when kept captive. PETA actively works towards ending animal captivity through informative articles and urging the public not to support zoos and marine amusement parks. PETA emphasizes the significant concern of lack of government regulation in establishments such as aquariums, zoos, and amusement parks. In England, extensive boycotting led to the closure of all parks. PETA aims to achieve similar outcomes globally. The root cause identified is whaling, which involves capturing animals from the wild. The Animal Welfare Institute provides definitions and descriptions of whaling practices worldwide, including confining marine life in aquariums, zoos, and amusement parks. Mistreatment of captive animals has been an issue since the 1860s when P.T. Barnum sponsored a project to capture two beluga whales for display at a New York City aquarium. Attention has shifted towards whaling and captivity of whales and dolphins worldwide. Currently, the captive animal industry is highly profitable but controversial. An article by AWI exposes false claims made by supporters of captivity that are used by parks and zoos to deceive the public. AWI effectively debunks assertions like captive animals enjoying entertainment or always appearing happy while also challenging claims that captivity is necessary for breeding and conservation programs.AWI disputes the claims made by parks and zoos about captive animals, arguing that these animals serve as educators for the public about their wild counterparts, generate revenue for conservation efforts, and protect them from natural dangers. However, AWI strongly opposes any mistreatment of captive animals in parks, zoos, and aquariums. SeaWorld of Hurt, an organization supported by PETA, advocates for the closure of SeaWorld and similar establishments. This cause has gained global media attention through boycotts and the emergence of various organizations. Several countries including Israel, India, England, and Egypt have already closed down parks due to boycotts. The United States should follow suit with these closures. In California, there is ongoing work on a bill to release captive orcas at SeaWorld San Diego; this approach should also be adopted by SeaWorld's park in Florida. The proposed legislation aims to halt breeding of orca whales at SeaWorld and prevent the importation of orca semen from other states. Through measures such as halting park growth and expansion of the SeaWorld brand, the documentary Blackfish reveals how young orcas are separated from their mothers if they fail to perform as desired. Viewers are emotionally impacted when witnessing distressing cries lasting over 24 hours from the mother—a behavior unfamiliar to experienced trainers and experts.The documentary "Blackfish" vividly exposes the animal cruelty that innocent creatures endure at SeaWorld in pursuit of financial gain through shows. Despite laws against whaling and increasing boycotts and closures of SeaWorld parks worldwide, these measures are insufficient to protect orca whales. The confinement of orcas in small tanks leads to starvation and punishment if they do not perform as expected. In their natural habitat, orcas should not engage in fights that can result in injuries and blood pollution. To ensure the well-being of these gentle creatures, it is crucial to return them to their rightful habitats. While SeaWorld has entertained generations, it is in the best interest of both the public and orca whales to have them for future generations. Although organizations like PETA have made progress, significant changes are needed to prevent animal cruelty from persisting (sources: "Blackfish", Animal Welfare Institute's "Confinement of Marine Life", PETA's "Aquariums and Marine Parks", CNN's report on California Bill banning Orca shows at SeaWorld, Animal Welfare Institute's "Dispelling the Arguments of Captivity Proponents"). The website "SeaWorld of Hurt" discusses the negative impact and suffering caused by SeaWorld. The site includes comments from visitors and was last accessed on April 4, 2014.