by James Sullivan/ Science Recorder / July 24, 2015
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has asked that the California Coastal Commission reject SeaWorld San Diego’s efforts to expand its killer whale tanks.
The project is estimated at $100 million, to be completed in 2018, but has yet to received endorsement from the Coastal Commission.
“This item has been postponed because of all the information submitted,” said commissioner Alex Llerandi.
“The coastal staff is taking the time to ensure all potential issues and viewpoints are considered in any final recommendations.”
The water volume of the orca tanks will be extended up to 10 million gallons. Keeping the creatures on exhibit has been the source of controversy in recent years, as many captive orcas suffer from high stress while in captivity, with their fins often curling – something that does not happen in the wild.
Jared Goodman, who serves as PETA’s director of animal law, insists that the council “consider the impact of proposed coastal development on the welfare of marine mammals, both captive and wild.”
Goodman added –
“Using the most fundamental understanding of marine mammals, it’s clear that these new tanks in no way support an orca’s broad range of behavior.”
SeaWorld’s attorney David Watson does not agree, however. He maintains that no such legal foundation exists that allows the coastal commission solely on an “independent determination (of) whether marine mammals are affected by any proposed attraction.” This is a question left up to the federal government instead, according to Watson.
In addition, SeaWorld San Diego argues that in addition to further educating their guests on the killer whale, their new and greatly expanded orca habitat will also serve to “inspire conservation efforts to protect animals in the wild.”
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Sea World San Diego, may use holographic orcas as well as animatronic ocras to “inspire conservation efforts to protect animals in the wild.” A simple poster could do that too!
Please, California Coastal Comission reject Sea World San Diego’s Expansion.
PETA kills more animals every year than even the Humane Society. They are the last group to be lecturing ANYBODY about caring for animals.
Okay, Emma, that’s a fairly outrageous allegation. But your comment is an example of how far apart the poles in this “debate” are.
PETA’s political agenda is now furthering the needless torment of these animals. Finally voices are heard, no more breeding, no more capturing. And at the front of the PR war were the poster children, the Orca, who deserve to have their lives improved as best they can. But PETA thinks those poor souls need to suffer even more because, I guess, they think how can there be a cause without martyrs? This mindless “all or nothing” attitude is hurting the ones we spoke out to protect.
Jimmy Do – So, sounds like you’re ok with these new and expanded pens? Yet your cynicism seeps through, even as you claim you were out there with “we spoke out to protect.”
This issue is bigger than PETA and SeaWorld. These animals don’t belong in captivity in tanks of any size. SeaWorld PR is total BS. People are inspired to protect animals by seeing them in the wild, not in captivity. Many people who care about animals and are not part of PETA find the animals at SeaWorld, zoos and circuses depressing. That’s why SeaWorld has to spi their PR in the first place
I honestly think the movie “Blackfish” is just another conspiracy theory propaganda material like “Alex Jones” etc. I think PETA was once many, many years ago was a real animal rights organization, but now days they’re just a bunch of misinformed idiots.
I furthermore want to say, I’ve always loved going to Seaworld since I was a child. I constantly see/hear about them saving/helping local wildlife ; e.g. seals, dolphins, birds, etc.
SHAME on you PETA ! Find something more constructive to do with your organization’s time !
lol yes Blackfish is a conspiracy theory- this whole thing is a farce and captity is an amazing way to life. Are you for real?!?! Please edumacate yourself and learn a bit about the issue; beyond Blackfish there are hours’ worth of reading materials and other documentaries, Blackfish just helped reach mainstream Joe Q. Public.
Seriously, anyone with an IQ over 25 and see that captivity is an appalling, hideous way of life for any animal, never mind one that travels extensively on a daily basis and is incredibly emotionally complex and that lives in tight family units in the wild.
Please read something. ANYTHING. Jesus!