SeaWorld and other aquatic theme parks are in hot water for the capture and display of killer whales for the sake of public entertainment. A California congressman announced on Nov. 6 that he is planning to pass a legislation to ban such activities.
Rep. Adam Schiff introduced Orca Responsibility and Care Advancement Act, which amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to ban the capture, import and export of orcas or killer whales for public display.
"The evidence is very strong that the psychological and physical harm done to these magnificent animals far outweighs any benefits reaped from their display," Rep. Schiff said.
The bill would prohibit acquiring whales from the wild and since there were no whales captured for more than 30 years, these whales reproduced through breeding. If the bill would be passed, it might put an end to companies like SeaWorld Entertainment Inc., the parent company of SeaWorld San Diego.
The company said that they never abused these animals and they were well taken care of. However, Rep. Schiff argued that holding these animals in captivity is cruel.
Amid controversies surrounding water theme parks with sea animals used for public entertainment, the company announced plans to spend $100 million to expand its killer whale container. All these came after a 2013 documentary entitled 'Blackfish' reported that killer whales were neglected and abused in marine-themed parks.
"While efforts to phase out whales in human care may strike an emotional chord, SeaWorld and other science-based organizations are part of the solution, not the problem," said Jill Kermes, a spokeswoman for SeaWorld Entertainment.
Animal activists say that the bill will help free orcas from captivity and being confined in small tanks that limit them from swimming. Orcas or killer whales can swim as much as 100 miles per day.
"The ocean is where orcas belong," Jared Goodman, director of animal law at the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals said.
"Everyone, from children to members of Congress, now recognizes that in SeaWorld's tanks, orcas suffer both physically and psychologically, are drugged, die prematurely, and lash out as a result of extreme frustration," he added.
Currently, SeaWorld San Diego has 11 killer whales in captivity ages 10 months to 50 years.
