Post Blackfish: A Push to Change SeaWorld’s Practices

After the documentary “Blackfish” made waves, there was substantial outcry about SeaWorld’s actions, particularly as they related to orcas. Now, federal lawmakers are working to end some of SeaWorld’s most predatory practices.

Representative Adam Schiff (D-California) announced a bill, the Orca Responsibility and Care Advancement Act (ORCA), on Friday that would prohibit the breeding of captive orcas, as well as prevent the wild capture of the animals for exhibit purposes. This would essentially lead to a phase-out of Orcas being used for show at SeaWorld parks.

Orcas are too socially complex, too intelligent, too long-lived and simply too big to thrive in confinement #ORCAacthttps://t.co/pZmeg8hgsO

— Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) November 6, 2015

The controversial “Shamu Shows” have been under particular scrutiny since the release of “Blackfish” in 2013, which shed light on the way that the orcas are treated at SeaWorld, as well as the death of trainer Dawn Brancheau. Despite the $15 million that the company has spent trying to decry the movie as propaganda and promote its supposed good work instead, it has been hurting as a result of the negative scrutiny. For example, at its San Diego park, attendance fell 17 percent last year. Overall, SeaWorld’s profits have fallen by almost half since the film’s release.

Gabriela Cowperthwaite, the director of “Blackfish” explained the reason that so many were drawn to the film, saying:

I just think the movie struck a nerve. I think it has galled people to learn that a beloved cultural icon, an institution we think is dedicated to teaching our children, is the opposite of what it pretends to be. The whales aren’t happy and the trainers aren’t safe. It’s as simple as that.

Schiff”s motivation for introducing the bill was much along the same vein; in a statement he explained: “the evidence is very strong that the psychological and physical harm done to these magnificent animals far outweighs any benefits reaped from their display.”

Schiff’s bill is supported by a number of advocacy organizations, including the Animal Welfare Institute, the Humane Society of the United States, the Humane Society Legislative Fund and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animal.

Although Congress’s near-constant gridlock nowadays may mean that the bill doesn’t go anywhere, SeaWorld isn’t in good shape. The consistently bad PR, falling profits, and now the threat of damaging legislation doesn’t bode well for the entertainment destination.

Anneliese Mahoney

Anneliese Mahoney is Managing Editor at Law Street and a Connecticut transplant to Washington D.C. She has a Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs from the George Washington University, and a passion for law, politics, and social issues. Contact Anneliese at amahoney@LawStreetMedia.com.