'Blackfish' Documentary Inspires California Lawmaker to Draft Bill Prohibiting Orca Whale Shows at SeaWorld
ByA California lawmaker has drafted a bill that would require SeaWorld to no longer put on orca whale shows for entertainment.
Accoriding to the U-T San Diego, the legislation was inspired by the documentary "Blackfish," which explores the violent nature of orcas as well as the alleged lack of safety for those who train killer whales at the park. The film discusses one orca named Tilikum who pulled a trainer named Dawn Brancheau into the water in the Orlando, Fla. park where she died of drowning.
"There is no justification for the continued captive display of orcas for entertainment purposes," Assemblyman Richard Bloom (D-Santa Monica) said during the release of his bill Friday. "These beautiful creatures are much too large and far too intelligent to be confined in small, concrete tanks for their entire lives."
SeaWorld responded shortly after the announcement of the bill.
"While we cannot comment on Assemblyman Bloom's proposed legislation until we see it, the individuals he has chosen to associate with for today's press conference are well known extreme animal rights activists, many of whom regularly campaign against SeaWorld and other accredited marine mammal parks and institutions," SeaWorld said.
"Included in the group are some of the same activists that partnered with PETA in bringing the meritless claim that animals in human care should be considered slaves under the 13th amendment of the U.S. Constitution - a clear publicity stunt. This legislation appears to reflect the same sort of out-of-the-mainstream thinking."
CLICK HERE to read the full statement, via the U-T San Diego.
SeaWorld attracts about 4.4 million visitors at the peak of summer and also creates about 4,000 jobs. The park also pays $9.6 million in annual rent for the 190 acres they lease, giving the city of San Diego a reason to help SeaWorld fight the bill.
"Blackfish" director Gabriela Cowperthwaite told the Associated Press she and the filmmaking team did not receive confidential documents from a Labor Department investigator. She also said the investigator declined repeatedly to participate in the film at any capacity.
In a statement responding to SeaWorld's complaint the investigator wrongfully provided the filmmakers confidential documents, Cowperthwaite said she is "looking forward to a day when SeaWorld honestly and transparently addresses animal welfare and trainer safety."