It's Official: SeaWorld Will Never Breed Another Orca Again
March 17, 2016
SeaWorld will never breed another orca again.
The company has announced it will end its orca breeding program and phase out theatrical shows featuring the highly intelligent animals.
"Today's announcement signals that the era of captive display of orcas will end," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of the HSUS in a press release.
"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," SeaWorld CEO Joel Manby said.
Ever since the release of "Blackfish" three years ago, SeaWorld has seen dwindling attendances and protests from animal rights activists calling for it to end public exhibitions of orcas.
"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."
Click Here For The Most Popular On Sunny Skyz
You Won't Just Hear This 'Stand By Me' Cover—You'll Feel It in Your Soul
Once Thought Extinct, This Prehistoric Bird Is Thriving Again In The Wild
This Scottish Village Lets Local Kids Design Their Christmas Lights
Grandma's Hilarious Response To A Cat Photo Has People 'In Tears' Laughing
Rare Red Panda Triplets Born At Nebraska Zoo
Hilarious Sign In Toronto Explains What To Do If You Spot A Coyote During The Day
You Won't Just Hear This 'Stand By Me' Cover—You'll Feel It in Your Soul
Abandoned By A Trainer, She Survived 5 Months In The Wild. Watch The Beautiful Reunion
This Giant Dog Keeps Getting 'Stuck' And It's Too Funny
Little Girl In High Heels Sings To Golden Retriever, And His Face Says It All
Seals Prove They're Just Like Cats In This HIlarious Sibling Battle
