If you have not watched Blackfish, you really should. Yes, the truth is disturbing sometimes. I was an educator and keeper of captive animals in several different zoo settings and I am very supportive of education and conservation provided by zoos and aquariums (so please dont lecture me :)) However, for years I have been disturbed by the way dolphins/orcas have been kept at Sea World. The last time I went, I didnt take my kids to see the orcas because it made me feel sick to see them in such a small space and I was frankly disgusted by the theme park environment and the lack of true education for the public. It was all about making money. Years ago when I was in grad school, I had the opportunity to see orcas in the wild in the Puget Sound. I will never forget being in the middle of a large pod and having them spy hop to look at us. A calf came up and looked at me and then showered me with spray from his blowhole. It was so beautiful and moving that I cried. That is how we should see dolphins and whales. After watching Blackfish, I will not be returning to Sea World--not only because it is wrong to keep these magnificent dolphins in tiny concrete pools, but because Sea World has a horrifying history of putting their animal trainers in danger (they are no longer allowed to swim with them in the shows, however they are appealing it). Im going to save the hundreds of dollars Sea World milks from a family in one visit--and Ill take my kids to see dolphins and whales where they belong...in the wild.
Posted on: Fri, 25 Oct 2013 03:49:27 +0000