Pursuits
SeaWorld Shuts Down Killer Whale Shows, Bowing to Criticism
- Theme-park operator shifts to `natural orca encounters'
- All orca breeding to cease as of Thursday, company says
Mother and baby killer whale swim together at SeaWorld® San Diego’s Shamu Stadium.
Source: SeaWorld via Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
SeaWorld Entertainment Inc. is shutting down its killer whale shows and will eventually stop keeping the animals in captivity, bowing to criticism of its care of the sea creatures as depicted in the documentary “Blackfish.”
The current generation of orcas will be the last in SeaWorld’s care, the Orlando, Florida-based company said in a statement Thursday. Park visitors will be able to see the animals in “natural orca encounters” rather than watching them perform, SeaWorld said.