Free Captive Orcas from SeaWorld's Exploitation: Join the Boycott
50,571 signatures toward our 65,000 Goal
Sponsor: The Rainforest Site
Orcas belong in oceans, not tiny tanks. Tell SeaWorld putting profit above animal welfare won't earn your support or patronage.
Established in 1964, SeaWorld is an aquatic themed park which provides its visitors with close encounters with marine wildlife like belugas, dolphins, and orcas, also known as killer whales.
According to the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, SeaWorld holds the vast majority of the world's captive orca whales which appear in shows. These performances are the current cornerstone of SeaWorld's entertainment model.
Orcas are highly intelligent, social animals. In captivity, they are deprived of the interactions they would normally have within their pod family structure. They often have stunted lifespans and numerous health issues while being forced to perform behaviors and tricks they would never exhibit in the wild. These impressive animals are almost constantly in motion, can dive as deep as 195 feet, and travel as far as 100 miles in a day, a range which no tank or aquarium can offer. Deprivation of natural habitat and social bonds often causes the whales to display aggressive behaviors unheard of in the wild.
SeaWorld's exploitative practices cannot be allowed to continue. Boycott SeaWorld until the company ends its policy of captivity for whales and other cetaceans.
The documentary Blackfish highlights the plight of orcas kept in captivity for the purpose of human entertainment. Using the death of SeaWorld Orlando Head Trainer Dawn Brancheau as a catalyst, the film creates a larger discussion about SeaWorld's practices and the ethics of keeping orcas in captivity. Already, the documentary is making headlines and has influenced Pixar to change the ending of Finding Dory, the upcoming sequel to Finding Nemo.
The Petition:
Dear SeaWorld C.E.O.,
Until SeaWorld ends its policy of captivity for orcas and other cetaceans, I am writing to inform you that I will be boycotting your establishment and will be encouraging my friends and peers to do the same. It is cruel and exploitative to keep these highly intelligent, social animals away from their natural habitat and pods simply for the sake of human entertainment.
Under the stress of captivity, these animals display aggressive behaviors unheard of in the wild. Trainers have lost their lives to frustrated whales lashing out, and countless near-misses go unreported.
If SeaWorld is truly concerned about the welfare of the animals it cares for, it would end captivity for orcas and other cetaceans. Your organization has the unique capacity to play a heroic role in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of whales rather than using them as entertainment.
I will not support your company's exploitative practices and will encourage my friends to join me in the boycott until you end your policy of captivity for whales and other cetaceans.
Sincerely,
