All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
SeaWorld has announced an immediate end to its captive orca breeding programme.
The company saidthe orcas currently in its care would "be the last generation at SeaWorld". It also confirmed it would end all orca breeding.
It comes shortly after the company announced it would end whale shows at its San Diego park after campaigns by animal rights groups and a subsequent slump in profits. Campaigners were galvanised by 2013 documentary Blackfish, which details the conditions in which many of SeaWorld's animals live.
CEO Joel Manby said the company was proud of "contributing to human understanding of these animals". "As society's understanding of orcas continues to change, SeaWorld is changing with it," he said. "By making this the last generation of orcas in our care and reimagining how guests will encounter these beautiful animals, we are fulfilling our mission of providing visitors to our parks with experiences that matter."
At least 45 orcas have died at SeaWorld, according to the Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) charity. The charity has previously said that SeaWorld's capture and treatment of whales and dolphins was "inhumane". Whales and dolphins are highly-intelligent creatures that live in complex social groups, with animal rights organisations continually arguing that keeping them in captivity is cruel.
SeaWorld's alleged maltreatment of its animals was detailed in *Blackfish,*a documentary following killer whale Tilikum. The documentary alleged that poor living conditions and a stressful environment were the triggers for the death of orca trainer Dawn Brancheau in 2010.
SeaWorld described the film as making "false and misleading points" and claimed that it manipulated "viewers emotionally to create facts that support its point of view".
SeaWorld also confirmed that animal shows involving orcas, but not dolphins, would soon be phased out. The company said it would introduce "new, inspiring, natural orca encounters" to replace these theatrical shows as part of an "ongoing commitment to education, marine science research, and rescue".
Orca shows at SeaWorld's main San Diego park will end 2017, followed in 2019 by San Antonio and Orlando. SeaWorld said its current collection of animals would "live out their lives" in captivity.
A spokesperson from WDC said the charity welcomed SeaWorld's decision. "We're thrilled that SeaWorld's new management is finally aligned with public opinion and recognises the fact that keeping performing orcas in tanks for our entertainment is no longer acceptable," the spokesperson said. "SeaWorld holds 25 of the 56 orcas currently held in captivity, and we continue to campaign to improve their situation through the creation of more naturalistic sea pen sanctuaries where captive orcas can be retired. "However, it's important to remember that SeaWorld also holds numerous dolphins and belugas captive, and it remains to be seen what fate awaits them."
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
