SeaWorld banned from breeding in captivity

The commission’s report in favor of the expansion mentions a pledge by SeaWorld that the facility “will not house any killer whales taken from the wild after February 12, 2014”. “A much better result for SeaWorld would have been if the Coastal Commission had denied their request”.

Under the proposal, SeaWorld would demolish portions of a 1995 facility that included a 1.7-million gallon pool and replace it with a 5.2-million gallon tank and 450,000-gallon pool.

The ruling affects SeaWorld’s San Diego business, but not its locations in Florida or Texas.

Every living creature’s common sense entitlement activists commended the choice as a final knockout to the utilization of executioner whales at the California sea park.

Dr. Paul Ponganis, a research physiologist at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, said last week that the project will result in new opportunities for researchers to conduct studies that will benefit killer whales and other cetaceans in the wild. The film made the case that killer whales should not be held in captivity, arguing that confining orcas is cruel and makes them hostile.

“It’s cool to see them, but it’s not the right thing to do”, said 10-year-old Zoey Lambe-Hommel.

The company issued a short statement in which it indicated it will review its options.

SeaWorld staff countered that a larger enclosure would improve the livelihoods of the orcas and would also help visitors appreciate the orcas.

The conditions would not apply to SeaWorld’s other parks in Orlando and San Antonio.

According to SeaWorld, the project is supported by the national and state associations of zoos and aquariums, a few veterinarians and researchers, and a bipartisan group of local elected officials. With a state political climate that’s more favorable to the tourism industry, the company would probably face less resistance.

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) hailed the ruling as a step toward ending orca captivity in California. PETA had launched a campaign against the expansion in California and hailed Thursday’s decision as a victory.

SeaWorld’s proposed expansion plans have been in the works for quite a while now and have finally received approval.

The stressful conditions of those whales at SeaWorld were highlighted in the CNN documentary Blackfish two years ago. Polls have shown more people oppose keeping whales and dolphins in captivity.

Next month, Manby will meet with analysts to present a long term plan for the company. Opponents accused SeaWorld of being motivated by a drive for bigger profits.

Sale, trade or transfer of captive orcas has also been prohibited.

The Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) released a statement following the vote that read, in part, “The Commission’s decision confirms that SeaWorld’s days of breeding and warehousing orcas for entertainment are numbered”.