SeaWorld Finally Ends Killer Whale Programs; Will Orcas Held In Captivity Be Released To The Wild?
It was huge news this week when SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment Inc. announced that it will finally end the breeding program for its killer whales with the goal of raising awareness not only for the welfare of these marine animals but also for the humans.
The report from NPR.org said that the initiative was made in accordance with the Humane Society of the United States.
"Today's announcement signals that the era of captive display of orcas will end," HSUS President and CEO Wayne Pacelle was quoted as saying.
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In the same press release, SeaWorld President and CEO Joel Manby said that, "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."
Manby wrote in a follow-up article on the LA Times to answer the question if the firm will release the animals from their captivity and return them in the wild. According to him, it is "not a wise option."
"Most of our orcas were born at SeaWorld, and those that were born in the wild have been in our parks for the majority of their lives. If we release them into the ocean, they will likely die," he explained.
He went on to stipulate that no orca or dolphin born and raised under human care has survived when they were released back into the sea. One of the examples he cited is the case of Keiko, the star in movie "Free Willy," who was born in the wild but its return to the wild was a failure.
For this, Manby assured that the remaining 24 orcas in their parks will continue to receive optimal care "for as long as they live."
Animal rights advocates like the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) commended SeaWorld's move to finally concede the call.
