SeaWorld San Diego replacing orca entertainment with conservation focused shows
Tuesday, 10 Nov, 2015
0
Seaworld Entertainment has finally accepted the inevitable and agreed to scrap theatrical killer whale shows at its San Diego park.
The company laid out plans to replace Shamu shows with displays focused on ‘conservation’ in a presentation to investors.
"In 2017 we’re going to launch an all-new orca experience with a conservation theme in a more natural setting," said SeaWorld CEO Joel Manby.
"We are not limited to any one animal, to any one show, to any one attraction. We are listening to our guests, we’re evolving as a company, we are always changing."
The move affects only the San Diego park which was on notice to phase out orca shows as a condition to granting permission to build the $100 million ‘Blue World Project’ featuring larger orca tanks.
Although SeaWorld said it would appeal that decision by the California Coastal Commission, the project is unlikely to happen.
"I’m not comfortable putting $100 million into a market when there is a regulatory question," Manby said.
The news has not impressed lawmakers and activists who have called for more radical changes.
"Much more needs to be done and I would urge the company to curtail the breeding of their orcas and partner in the creation of ocean sanctuaries," said Rep. Adam Schiff who is tabling federal legislation to phase out all orca captivity.
This was echoed by state Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez who said: "Today’s acknowledgement by SeaWorld does not end our push to halt inhumane orca captivity and breeding practices, but it’s a step in the right direction."
Predictably, SeaWorld’s most vocal critic People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals was also unimpressed.
"SeaWorld is not doing enough by merely ending its ‘tawdry circle-style shows," said PETA director Jared Goodman.
"PETA is calling on SeaWorld to stop breeding orcas and start building sea sanctuaries where they can experience an actual natural setting and finally thrive," Goodman said.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Clearing CSS/JS assets' cache... Please wait until this notice disappears...
Updating... Please wait...
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive
Euromonitor International unveils world’s top 100 city destinations for 2025