SeaWorld announces the end of orca shows after criticism
The aquarium and theme park said it will phase out its staple theatrical event at its San Diego location. Employees, called ambassadors, will focus on education instead.
However, it took the San Diego SeaWorld a biting documentary and relentless public outcry to realize it.
The organization announced plans to abandon the theatrical version of its orca show at its San Diego location next year. So, if you want to see the Earth’s most majestic beasts reduced to flapping and flipping for scrod, you’d better hurry.
From NBC San Diego:
The killer whale show featuring Shamu has been part of the park’s identity for decades. SeaWorld Entertainment CEO Joel Manby said at Monday’s meeting the show will be phased out as part of a shift in focus to promote conservation as part of the company’s brand.
Before conservationists get too excited, all they’re doing is making the orca show less “theatrical.” There will still be captive orcas at SeaWorld, only they won’t be doing as many cheap tricks. The hope is to show more of how the orcas behave in their natural habitat.
To step back from the rhetoric, SeaWorld is actually taking a smart stance as a brand.
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