SeaWorld Claims to Change Criticized Orca Whale Show by 2017 Erin McElhone 3rd Period

     SeaWorld finally says that they are changing their killer whale show. The 2013 documentary Blackfish showed the company's cruel captivity practices and destructive breading program took a toll on these creatures. Since the documentary was shown on CNN the amusement park's market value has plummeted and lawmakers have begun to take up this animal-rights cause. In 2014 the state of California petitioned legislation that would prohibit the use of killer whales in their shows. Then, this past Friday, a bill in Congress was introduced. This bill would "prohibit the breeding, the taking (wild capture), and the import or export of orcas (killer whales) for the purposes of public display." SeaWorld CEO Joel Manby, replied saying that the San Diego park's show will be replaced with a natural presentation by 2017. In response, people are wondering if these changes are only for their San Diego location, or if the company will include all US locations (Orlando, and San Antonio.)

     I am surprised that Seaworld has only released a statement about changes to the show this year. The documentary was produced two years ago, and they say the changes will not be put in place until 2017 making it four years until customers see a difference in the show. With Food Inc., another documentary that pointed out a problem in America also took some time to diffuse into the economy. After being released in 2009 not much happened, but as more people began to draw attention to the problem the more the nation attempted to fix it. I am glad to see California take a stand on this matter; however, I am disappointed in both Florida and Texas for not joining in the fight for animal-rights. Personally, I have seen the film Blackfish, and it has persuaded me to never even think of going to SeaWorld again. I know that this is not everyone's point of view, but I can't wait to see if the company's market value will continue going down, or take a turn and start increasing.

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