SeaWorld’s ‘unusual’ response to orca documentary
Released by Magnolia Pictures and CNN Films, ‘Blackfish’ chronicles the plight these large whales suffer ‘physically and mentally’ when kept in captivity.

That’s the message the company sent to the media last week when it preemptively lashed out at the makers of the documentary “Blackfish” prior to its release.
The documentary conveys that orca whales—the high-flying stars of SeaWorld’s shows—suffer “physical and mental distress” in captivity, according to a MediaBistro report. The film’s tagline is “Never capture what you can’t control.”
Here’s the official trailer:
SeaWorld sent several media outlets a point-by-point response to the documentary a week before its July 19 release. The New York Times labeled the move “unusual.” The list of “assertions” focuses on the lifespan, births, and treatment of captive whales, as well as the accidental drowning death of a trainer.
Become a Ragan Insider member to read this article and all other archived content.
Sign up today
Already a member? Log in here.
Learn more about Ragan Insider.
