Within the last year, the world’s eyes have been opened to the exploitation of whales at our once beloved Sea World with the release of the documentary “Blackfish.” After watching with tear-filled eyes, many became outraged and called for change and possible shut down of all whale enclosures in the Sea World facilities.
Protests, picketing, and now legal actions are being taken in order to combat the horrible conditions Sea World imposes on their “treasured” whales.
PETA was one of the groups that became enraged upon realizing the treatment of whales at Sea World was less than humane, and they have been pushing for the most major reformative action with the creation of a bill to completely stop all orca shows at Sea World.
In the California State Assembly, Santa Monica representative proposed the bill, which would cause for eventual release of these beautiful creatures.
PETA President Ingrid Newkirk wants the documentary to serve as an impetus for change in the Sea World infrastructure.
“The public has learned how orcas suffer psychologically, succumb to premature deaths, and lash out in frustration and aggression in SeaWorld’s orca pits, and they’ve responded with lower attendance levels, public protests, and legislation. SeaWorld can take the year to figure out how to release the orcas into ocean sanctuaries,” Newkirk said.
Unfortunately this bill, which would enforce the release of all killer whales at SeaWorld into the ocean, was put on hold for a year this last week. The California Assembly feels that more studies should be done in order to enforce this bill, and these studies will be conducted this year so the bill can be reconsidered in 2015.
Having recently viewed the documentary, I became deeply saddened by SeaWorld’s treatment. I was left wondering what I could do for this cause besides just watching the bill efforts from a distance.
I know after watching documentaries on topics like this a lot of people want to get involved to try and lead to a solution, but its hard to know how. A couple ways do exist though, especially in relation to this topic.
A number of non-profit organizations exist that you could financially support, or even work with to plan or fundraise. Some examples are the Whale and Dolphin Conservation and Animal Welfare Institute.
Personalize your own efforts by organizing public art exhibition or putting up posters around your dorm. Writing to SeaWorld directly is also a way to personally call for the reinvestment of profits into humane ways of holding these animals.
The easiest thing for us to do is spread the word. Share the documentary and other information you have with all those around you. With the ease on transmission social media has provided us, you can easily bring exposure to topics like this with the click of a button.
All of us can do little things that would collectively lead to the freedom of these killer whales that SeaWorld is essentially killing. And for someone, like myself, who are frustrated with the treatment of these regal animals, remember that your efforts do make a difference.
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