That SeaWorld has been getting some bad rap, is a gross understatement. The many issues surrounding their captive orcas have been grabbing headlines for months now. However, what many seem to be forgetting, is their other activities. Just now I saw another article about SeaWorld rehabilitating a rare Risso Dolphin. We would do well, not to ignore their good deeds. That isn't to say that something needs to be done about the current state of affairs.

Wikipedia "labeled for reuse"

As I've been absent from the inter webs, for a couple months now, I have to get caught up on all the incoming news. Needless to say, it may take a while...

Let's begin here. I've just finished reading an article about another SeaWorld response, concerning, what else? Their orcas. Their reasoning has now evolved to include, "we need them for research into Killer Whales." Opposers, note a number of fallacies with this argument, mostly including their lack of research, however, all this aside, this is still nowhere near a sound argument. The excuse of so many, "research". This word has begun to take on a different meaning: namely, an excuse for almost anything.

Research, simply isn't a good enough reason to keep highly intelligent animals in confinement. If we tortured random civilians, but kept a record of their response, would that make it any less immoral? Why should "research" be any more of an excuse for SeaWorld? On another note, shouldn't we be learning about the wild orcas anyway? It is rather indisputable, that captive orcas are profoundly changed, in comparison to their free cousins, so how could their data be any help?

It is time for SeaWorld to own up to their mistake, and take measures to atone themselves.

flickr "labeled for reuse"

Wikipedia (labeled for reuse)

Alright, I'm being a little unfair when I call it "hysterical", but you've got to admit that much of popular media isn't relying on scientific fact. In a previous post I talked about why I believe, in current conditions, orcas shouldn't be held in captivity, drawing upon actual scientific research (brain size etc). Now, it's time to make the less factual argument.

Since the release of Blackfish the public have been demanding change. Even, Blackfish, itself doesn't use a lot of scientific research, it tells a story. The story of Tilikum. An orca forced to live out his life in misery: alone, afraid, captive. It's hard to see an animal in such evident distress.

Did you know that there is no recorded incident of an orca attack in the wild? There are dozens, if not hundreds of (reported) incidents in captive orcas. This should tell you something about their psychological state.

The way that you get the public to support something, isn't through in-depth studies and research papers (honestly, it's quite a challenge to read some of them). To get the public to support you, you need emotion. You need them to feel anger, or sadness over a topic. Show them as a young orca is ripped away from his mother, Tilikum's ragged skin from attacks, and his dormant form in a pool. This is how the media garners support. You've got to show them something they'll understand, something they'll relate to.

This is their secret. Your welcome.

Pixabay (labeled for reuse)

Wikimedia commons (labeled for reuse)

SeaWorld has now returned a manatee back to the wild, after they rehabilitated it. This is similar to the last post, I just want to make sure that people know that orcas is not all the SeaWorld is about. For years, they've been at the forefront of marine animal rescue, saving thousands if not millions of animals. And this is not something that should be forgotten on the nigh.

Keep in mind, I'm not saying that because of these efforts this excuses the ill-treatment of the orcas- not even slightly. All I want you to know, is that we shouldn't be lumping the entire company into one big lump of, "You suck."

Another thing to realize, is that not all branches of SeaWorld keep orcas, and many of them are not affiliated with the ones that do: such as SeaWorld Gold Coast, who I also emailed.

SeaWorld has finally responded to PETA's multiple allegations. Although, I'm not sure how thoroughly they've tackled the complaints. PETA filed multiple complaints concerning their keeping of killer whales, after the release of Blackfish. Thus far SeaWorld has declined to answer- I wonder why... If they are truly innocent why haven't they rebutted sooner? Isn't that just COMMON SENSE????

If you've been falsely accused of something, what would you do? Sit back and watch as the situation tumbles out of control? Would you sit idle as more and more people are drawn against you? Well unless you are insane or ARE ACTUALLY GUILTY of the charges pressed, you'd speak up. Would you not?

So why is it that SeaWorld is only now responding? In the past few days (there is a post up already), PETA filed another complaint. Eager bunch. This time their allegations spanned across the board, they claimed that multiple cetaceans, and a walrus were exhibiting both physical and mental trauma. Now SeaWorld, has finally decided that's enough. They say, that they tried to keep quiet and wait till it blew over, tried to wait until the masses saw the truth. Really? Is that really the reason? Or is this just a convenient way to rebut? If this particular allegation is in fact incorrect, SeaWorld can now claim that, whilst indirectly trying to dispute PETA's other complaints without directly addressing them. Just an idea. It may or not be true.

Why has SeaWorld been silent for so long?

Personally, I believe both parties need to sit down and have a long, heartfelt conversation. One on one. With some individually wrapped chocolates to break the ice.

Pixabay (labeled for reuse)

PETA has filed, another complaint about SeaWorld. Following multiple allegations concerning the orcas, after the release of Blackfish, they've now filed concerning injuries on their cetaceans. Apparently, some of the whales and dolphins have been suffering from sunburns and other superficial injuries. Wow SeaWorld. Wow. That's all I can say. I'm not entirely certain what I think about this yet. I'm starting to get the feeling, that people are willing to attack SeaWorld about anything now, which isn't really the idea. Although, at this point I'm unaware of the severity of these allegations. So I will not be making my mind up yet. You can though. Just thought this was interesting. Keeping y'all posted.

Wikimedia Commons (labeled for reuse)