ORLANDO, Fla. — SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. announced three major changes Thursday for the company.
The company said it is ending its orca breeding as of Thursday, that the current generation of killer whales, orcas, at SeaWorld will be the last generation. The company is phasing out the ocra theatrical shows and partnering with the Humane Society of the United States.
“As society’s understanding of orcas continues to change, SeaWorld is changing with it,” said Joel Manby, president and chief executive officer of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. “By making this the last generation of orcas in our care and reimagining how guests will encounter these beautiful animals, we are fulfilling our mission of providing visitors to our parks with experiences that matter.”
“SeaWorld’s commitment to end breeding of orcas is a long-held goal of many animal advocacy organizations, and we commend the company for making this game-changing commitment,” said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of Humane Society of the United States.
The company said SeaWorld will introduce new, inspiring, natural orca encounters instead of the theatrical shows. It is part of its ongoing commitment to education, marine science research, and rescue of marine animals.
The programs are expected to focus on orca enrichment, exercise and overall health, company officials said.
The changes begin with the park in San Diego next year, then followed by San Antonio and Orlando in 2019.
“We are pleased to join with HSUS on the significant issues facing marine mammals and their ocean homes,” said Manby. “The work done by zoological facilities like SeaWorld is critical for the protection of animals in the wild, especially marine mammals. To that end, SeaWorld has committed $50 million over the next five years to be the world’s leading marine animal rescue organization, to advocate for an end to the commercial killing of whales and seals and an end to shark finning.”
SeaWorld hasn't collected an orca from the wild in the last 40 years.
The orcas currently at SeaWorld, including one that became pregnant last year, will live at the company’s park habitats, officials said. The company said it wouldn't be in the best interest of the whales to release them to the wild.
Guests at the parks will be able to observe the killer whales through the educational encounters and in viewing areas within the existing habitats, officials said.
[ Related Link: Joel Manby, Wayne Pacelle talk to CBS This Morning ]