SeaWorld ENDS its orca breeding programme after years of pressure
SEAWORLD is to stop breeding killer whales to put on live shows.
SeaWorld has ended its orca breeding programme
The marine park has faced waves of criticism over the way these highly intelligent creatures have been kept in captivity for amusement over the years.
Today the theme park said it will stop breeding killer whales and those currently at its parks would be the last.
Controversy has haunted the Orlando-based entertainment giant which has witnessed falling attendances and criticism from animal rights activists over the orca displays.
The Express has highlighted many of the controversies.
Those currently at SeaWorld will be the last
One of its most famous orca, Tilikum, was seriously ill
Only last week we revealed how its most famous orca called Tilikum was seriously ill. Tilikum featured in the 2013 documentary Blackfish which told the story of how he had killed three people during his three decades in captivity.
SeaWorld has 29 killer whales under its care, including six on loan to third parties.
Seaworld gone wrong
The amusement park has faced waves of criticism over how the killer whales are kept in captivitiy
It operates parks in San Diego, Orlando and San Antonio.
Only last November it said it would be replacing its signature “Shamu” whale shows for displays focusing on conservation.