SeaWorld to End Breeding of Orcas

SeaWorld has announced that the twenty nine killer whales currently living at their destinations will be their last. The company will phase out their controversial orca-breeding program, according to NY Magazine.

Much of the backlash against SeaWorld stems from the 2013 documentary, Blackfish. The documentary showed the world not only the inhumane living conditions the whales had to live in, but the hazards posed to the trainers working with the large animals.

In November of 2015, the San Diego SeaWorld park announced it would phase out its high-flying acrobatics show.

Wayne Pacelle, the president and CEO of the Humane Society, said in a statement:

Today’s announcement signals that the era of captive display of orcas will end. The SeaWorld CEO Joel Manby signaled that the change is the next logical step in the SeaWorld brand overhaul. As one of the largest rescue organizations in the world, we will increase our focus on rescue operations.