SeaWorld to end its orca breeding programme
'Society is changing and we're changing with it,' the company said in a statement
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.SeaWorld says it is ending its controversial orca breeding programme.
The 24 killer whales currently at the company's theme parks in California, Texas and Florida will be the last generation of orcas at SeaWorld.
"SeaWorld has been listening and we're changing," the company said in a statement.
"Society is changing and we're changing with it. SeaWorld is finding new ways to continue to deliver on our purpose to inspire all our guests to take action to protect wild animals and wild places."
As a result of mounting pressure since the 2013 release of Blackfish, an influential exposé of orca captivity, Seaworld has promised to introduce "natural orca encounters" instead of circus-like theatrical shows.
In response to the announcement, PETA director Mimi Bekhechi said: "PETA has campaigned hard, and now there is a payoff for future generations of orcas – but today is the day to stop breeding, not sometime later this year.
"SeaWorld must open its tanks to the oceans to allow the orcas it now holds captive to have some semblance of a life outside these prison tanks."
SeaWorld has confirmed their orca breeding programme is "ending effective today".
In an op-ed for the Los Angeles Times, SeaWorld CEO Joel Manby said setting the orcas free is "not a wise option".
"Most of our orcas were born at SeaWorld, and those that were born in the wild have been in our parks for the majority of their lives. If we release them into the ocean, they will likely die."
He added: "For as long as they live, the orcas at SeaWorld will stay in our parks. They'll continue to receive the highest-quality care, based on the latest advances in marine veterinary medicine, science and zoological best practices."
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments