In a recent blog post, Kasandra Callaway talks about California’s new proposed bill to ban orcas from performing in theme parks, as well as to ban breeding and the import and export of these whales. Callaway talks about the impact the documentary Blackfish had on individuals nationwide, as well as one politician specifically, Richard Bloom, a state legislator representing West LA region of California. It’s because of Bloom’s passion that this bill is underway.
Callaway also talks about the justice for other animals such as dolphins, who are held in small cement pools, just as orcas are. “The confinement is what drives their stress, creating them to lash out and become violent…”
Callaway also mentions the many pros and cons if the bill were passed. One of the cons, or pros, is that it will end breeding for all marine mammals, which is used, in part, for scientific research. One con is that it will allow orcas who are already free to remain free.
“The documentary has lead viewers worldwide to second guess their next vacation destination,” Callaway stated. This statement, to me, speaks volumes for SeaWorld and San Diego’s reputation. Not only is SeaWorld potentially in danger of losing the spark that brings audiences to them, the orca shows, but San Diego is at a huge loss for tourism. Two of San Diego’s main attractions are the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld; both of which keep animals captive. Losing one or both of those attractions loses a huge revenue of tourists as well as brand reputation for the city of San Diego.
Already, my Facebook feed is buzzing with a link to sign an online petition, which states, “Enact the Orca Welfare and Safety Act to make it illegal to hold orcas in captivity for performance or entertainment purposes.”
Though this is not good public relations for SeaWorld, I hope that they make some sort of public statement on the welfare of their orcas held captive. To Blackfish advocates, SeaWorld isn’t a vacation destination anyone will think about going to ever again, but maybe SeaWorld can change the public’s opinion.
Read Kasandra Callaway’s blog post here:
Shameless PR (COM 475) 