SeaWorld Orlando, which has been at the center of criticism from animal activist groups, is now planning to replace its signature killer-whale “One Ocean” attraction with its new “Orca Encounter.” The new exhibit will serve as an educational resource.
“Guests will learn about killer whales role in the ocean ecosystem, behaviors the animals exhibit in the wild, the importance of conservation to their habitat, and animal welfare practices at SeaWorld,” Chief zoological officer for SeaWorld, Chris Dold said in a statement issued this week.
“This educational presentation reflects our company’s mission to inspire people and protect the animals and wild wonders of our world through education, research, animal rescue, and conservation,” He added.
”One Ocean” is set to close on December 31st with “Orca Encounter” opening on January 1st at Shamu Stadium.
The move comes more than four years after SeaWorld first announced it would end its killer whale breeding programs. The company vowed to focus on orca education instead of spectacle.
SeaWorld has faced intense scrutiny in recent years following the 2012 book “Death at SeaWorld: Shamu and the Dark Side of Killer Whales in Captivity,” written by journalist David Kirby. The book documented the mistreatment of whales forced to perform in inhumane acts at SeaWorld theme parks. The critically acclaimed documentary, “Blackfish,” followed in 2013. The film further highlighted the treatment of orcas at SeaWorld Orlando, providing evidence to back up their claims that placing the animals in captivity made them both violent and neurotic.
“I think ‘Blackfish’ was a poignant moment in our company’s history for sure,” Dold admitted in an interview with the “NBC Nightly News” that aired Saturday.
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