A staple in the ideal household would seemingly be a trip to SeaWorld. Although, being up close and personal with the world's most majestic animals comes with a large price. The original SeaWorld San Diego opened on March 21, 1964, and since then SeaWorld has been offering the experience of being eye to eye with the most mysterious animals the deep ocean depth can behold. This experience may sound like a wonderful opportunity but the idea that whales and dolphins should be exposed to humans on a day to day basis is just wrong.
How long can such an insensitive practice last? Hopefully soon the general public can come to a consensus that trying to domesticate wild animals like dolphins and whales for the entertainment of humans is wrong. In a recent study however, it seems that society is starting to educate itself and pull back the deceiving vale of SeaWorld.
A survey released in May, commissioned by Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) and the AWI, found that since 2012 there has been an 11% rise in the number of people opposed to the confinement of orcas in captivity. It also shows that fewer people are on the fence; 50% of Americans are now against the practice. A recent survey of British tourists by the Born Free Foundation showed similar results; 86% said they would not visit a marine park while on an overseas holiday.
This survey serves as a large beacon of hope for so many wild animals currently being held and exploited at SeaWorld.
SeaWorld has released many of its inhabitants and does conservation and charity work, but these acts do not excuse the daily exploitation of so many animals. If SeaWorld wanted to restore its public image, they could stop all performing animals and focus the time and capital towards creating a rehabilitation environment for injured or ill marina animals. By visiting a SeaWorld location, purchasing a souvenir and meal you are supporting the cycle of SeaWorld’s atrocities.
Lastly, there is the matter of trainer safety hazards. Animals like killer whales, commonly referred to as “Shamu”, are expected to perform daily without spontaneous outbursts. Many trainers have been injured from animal attacks and there will be countless more with the continuation of SeaWorld.
Great blog post. I agree with you on all levels. No animal should suffer or go through this harmful situation. I think it's sad how many people don't take initiative to stop this issue in such a big place like SeaWorld. These animals on display are just as important as us.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you! After recently watching the documentary "Blackfish" it really opened my eyes to what SeaWorld does to those animals. They are treated like prisoners locked up all day and night in enclosed spaces just swimming around in circles. It is horrible what they do to the animals! Good blog post!
ReplyDeleteI agree that SeaWorld is not good for the animals. These animals are forced to live in a small tank instead of a big, blue ocean. It is horrible that people believe SeaWorld is perfect for animals, and evn safe for the trainers. I remeber hearing a story about a trainer who had her hair ripped out of her skalp by "Shamu" and drowned.
ReplyDeleteAlong with Tess, I also recently watched "Blackfish" and it really showed a side of animal captivity I had never seen before. I think prior to that we blamed the animals for attacks when really the humans that captured them in the first place are at fault.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you. These animals don't deserve to have their lives taken away just so children can watch them do a few tricks. The only contact humans should have with whales is if they are on a boat in the ocean observing them in their natural habitat.
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