By Jennifer O’Connor People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
Sea World has so profoundly and perversely impacted marine mammals it’s no surprise that some — like the orca who dragged her trainer to the bottom of the tank at the San Diego park recently — are starting to snap. The largest pool in the world cannot come close to the vast open oceans where the orcas and dolphins at Sea World should rightfully be swimming. In the wild, these whales live in tight family units. Both male and female offspring typically remain with their maternal family for life. Orcas can swim up to 30 mph and can travel 75-100 miles or more per day. At Sea World, orcas perform tricks for food and swim endless circles in small, barren concrete tanks. They often die far short of their natural lifespan.
Animals don’t deserve to be treated like giant wind-up toys that do tricks, which is why many people refuse to give their money to aquariums that use captive whales and dolphins.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on December 4, 2006. Read the original PDF.