News

Actions

SeaWorld says it will end killer whale breeding

Posted at 11:01 AM, Mar 17, 2016
and last updated 2016-03-17 11:01:20-04

MIAMI (AP) – The chief executive of SeaWorld Entertainment says that his company’s decision to end its orca breeding program marks a new direction for the theme park company.

SeaWorld CEO Joel Manby said Thursday that it was a difficult decision to end the breeding program and end theatrical shows involving orcas.

But he says society’s attitudes have changed about captive orcas and SeaWorld had to move where society was going.

The company also announced a new partnership with the Humane Society of the United States.

Humane Society CEO Wayne Pacelle says that while his company and SeaWorld had been longtime adversaries, it’s time to turn criticism into collaboration.