PRISONERS: Debates arise from SeaWorld’s recent accidents with captive sea animals.
by Valeria Gutierrez, Staff Writer
Imagine traveling the world: from shining seas to high mountains, from low plains to exotic rain forests. At each location there are animals with unique characteristics to help them survive. The tan, quick lion hides perfectly behind the tall grass of Africa while the arctic fox waits in the snow, waiting to scavenge what the intimidating wolves have left behind from their prey. Every bird has a different beak, from short and round to sharp and long, while the Leafy Sea Dragon(a type of seahorse) camouflages perfectly into the seaweed creating the impression that he or she is not even there. Each creature belongs to its environment, fitting perfectly into its respective ecosystem. You, too, belong to your own ecosystem. Imagine how terrifying it would be if you were kidnapped. Picture this: you were just taken from your family and put inside a concrete bathtub with glass all around to keep you in. The days cruelly pass by as your kidnappers force you to perform for their amusement. The nights are even worse; the small cage is pitch black and you are barely able to move, constantly afraid that you will crash into another person—or worse, the ice-cold concrete wall. There is no end to the torture. There is no end to the sadness. There is no end to the starvation. There is no end to the unethical treatment. Hundreds of people see your tormented eyes every day but are too blinded by the presentation to notice your pain. The only way out, as far as you know it, is death to either your kidnappers or yourself.
This disturbing experience is not a make-believe story, it is the reality of how cruel mankind can be to fellow inhabitants of Earth. One of the most recognizable places for “educational learning” about sea life is SeaWorld. Up until earlier this year, SeaWorld was a place loved by all ages for thrilling rides and new discoveries about the unknown deep blue sea. Through glass walls, an adventurous child could see a tiger shark while a shy teenager kisses a seal and everyone from toddler to senior could enjoy an interesting orca (a.k.a. killer whale) or dolphin show. However SeaWorld’s credibility of having a joyous park has slowly crumbled over the years and is frequently questioned by protesters demanding to “Free the Whales.” Macy’s 2013 Thanksgiving Day Parade took a turn when animal activists devised a plot to draw attention to SeaWorld’s float so viewers could take notice of the cruelties taking place at the park. In the spotlight of this protest was 12-year-old Rose McCoy who jumped over the barricades to stop the float. Although McCoy was only out in front of SeaWorld’s float for a few seconds, she believed it was enough to bring attention to the controversy of captive whales.
The past few years have seen constant debate about killer whales in captivity, but quickly escalated on July 19 with the release of the documentary Blackfish. The movie begins with the origin of captive killer whales and works the story up to present day. Blackfish is narrated by former SeaWorld killer whale trainers who love the animals they worked with and cannot stand the unethical treatment they endured because of the company. The documentary is bold and eye-opening; it reveals the violent past of a popular captive killer whale known as Tilikum. This above-average-sized whale was considered inferior and constantly pushed around by other killer whales at SeaWorld without any place to swim away besides a few feet. Despite the fact that he is well trained, Tilikum is held responsible for three deaths. One of the three was the death of his trainer Dawn Brancheau. Regardless of Tilikum’s aggressive past, SeaWorld continues to breed Tilikum with other females to produce other killer whales that may be just as hostile. SeaWorld is blinded by money, allowing the hostility to continue.
Not until recently did SeaWorld move the money from its faces (only because there is less of it) and acknowledged some of its mistakes. Ticket sales dropped 25 percent from the high of this year, and although SeaWorld claims some of the drops are due to poor weather in Orlando, Florida, one cannot help but believe the sale drops are due to Blackfish.
The documentary not only exposed SeaWorld’s dark secrets but also raised the question of whether or not captivity should be allowed. There is a peaceful resolution for the animal activists and those who wish to keep the animals. Either spend enough money to adjust to the animals’ natural environment or free them into the wild once again. Although the environment changes would be costly, they have been done and are successful. San Diego Zoo currently has an enormous area modeled after an African Safari which holds giraffes and elephants as well as landscapes where cheetahs can run free. Unfortunately, killer whale environments will not be easy to remodel, considering that the ocean is about 75 percent of the Earth’s surface—not even a few football fields could make up some of the distance the whales wish to travel.
If SeaWorld is not willing to pay the price, it better be ready to pay the consequences, especially considering that their “entertainers” are predators and earn the word killer in “killer whale.” As an educated society, we should not be shocked if another one of SeaWorld’s employees is seriously injured while working with orcas, since jumping into the water with a captive killer whale is as bad as jumping into the water with a shark. Since there is record of killer whales being nothing but gentle and caring towards humans when in the wild, the more proper solution is to “Free the Whales.” Although not all captivity is immoral, such as that of San Diego Zoo Safari Parks, some animals are not meant to stay on land with humans. Orcas are majestic and breathtaking creatures of the wild that should not be locked up behind concrete walls. So whenever you think about SeaWorld, remember that there is nothing amusing about this amusement park.