SeaWorld shuts down killer whale shows, bowing to criticism

Posted online March 18, 2016 | 11:41 am

In the wake of criticism aimed at its care of killer whales, SeaWorld Entertainment Inc. announced Thursday it would shut down all live shows featuring the animals and eventually stop keeping them in captivity.

The Orlando, Fla.-based aquatic theme park operator has struggled with declines in attendance and stock prices since the release of the 2013 documentary “Blackfish," which sharply criticized SeaWorld’s methods of obtaining, training and keeping orcas.

The company also announced immediate plans to end its breeding programs, meaning the current generation of SeaWorld killer whales will be the last.

New orca educational programs are set to begin at the San Diego SeaWorld next year, followed by the San Antonio and Orlando parks through 2019.

Read more from Bloomberg Business.

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