SeaWorld has recently been sued by the animal rights organisation PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). They were sued because their treatment of five whales (Corky, Katina, Ulises, Tilikum and Kasatka) apparently violates the rights of killer whales in captivity stated in the US Constitution. There are nineteen orca whales held in the three SeaWorld centres, and these five are from SeaWorlds San Diego and Orlando.
Ingrid Newkirk, president of PETA, stated "All five of these orcas were violently seized from the ocean and taken from their families as babies." Due to this treatment the whales can be violent towards trainers, and despite the many incidents, including the death of trainer Dawn Brancheau, the whales are still kept in captivity for the entertainment of humans.
Wild animals of this size should not be kept in captivity, they should be allowed to roam free in open waters, as they are meant to. I feel that is always better to see animals enjoying themselves in their natural habitats, rather than in a display cage or tank.
I got the photo from here.
I got the photo from here.
