

thedodo– BREAKING: SeaWorld San Diego will end its well-known orca show sometime in 2016.

CEO Joel Manby announced during an investor presentation that the current “theatrical” show will be replaced with an attraction that features a “conservation message inspiring people to act” sometime in 2017.

“It will be focused on … the natural behavior of the whales”

Last month the California Coastal Commission’s blocked SeaWorld’s proposed San Diego expansion, Project Blue World, due to public concern that the expansion was a PR move and would simply turn into a breeding ground for more captive orcas.

The commission approved the project only on the condition that SeaWorld San Diego end its breeding program. Manby called the decision “unacceptable” and the company pledged to fight the commission’s decision in court.

However, he said that SeaWorld would not necessarily proceed with the project if they win, as the proposed show redesign would be a much cheaper way of achieving the company’s goal of convincing the public they’re pro-conservation.

“I really see a company that’s focused on protecting wild animals in wild places,” Manby said, later suggesting that the company’s been too “humble, modest” to push that agenda.

SeaWorld has been struggling financially since the release of the 2013 film “Blackfish,” which sparked concern over how the marine park treats its animals.

Jumping on my soapbox now.

First, if you haven’t watched “Blackfish”, do so. ASAP.

Second, I’m not a PETA freak, just a guy that loves animals. Love them to death.



It’s why I always feel uneasy at Zoo’s, hate Sea World and despise (with a passion) Circuses.

Animals shouldn’t be used to entertain us. Period.

I had a friend who recently went to SeaWorld. He actually avoided seeing “Blackfish” because, quote, “he didn’t want it to ruin his trip.” Notice I said had a friend. He is now an acquaintance because that person is an asshole. I do apologize for the language but no other words can properly describe a person that chooses being entertained over animal torture. Just my opinion. It’s one thing not knowing. It’s another not caring.

I feel the same way about myself for eating meat. I’m not clueless about it, in fact I wish I could go vegan. I can’t. Some would say won’t. Maybe it’s a bit of both. All I know is-

Give me bacon or give me death. What I can easily do is not contribute to places like SeaWorld.

And let’s be real, they give two craps about a “conservation message inspiring people to act.” If they did, they would have done away with this show before the “Blackfish” fall out. I’ll do one better, they wouldn’t be moving them to a different exhibit. They care about money. That’s it and that’s all man. This is a PR move. 100%.

Side note- I know this is extreme but it’s also something I have strong feelings about. It’s 2015, not 1907. Cars have been invented and thus anyone paying to ride in a horse carriage is also an asshole. I’m one too. After Zedd a few weeks back (and a ton of alcoholic beverages), I decided to ignore those feelings and take DK on a romantic horse carriage ride through downtown. We lasted four blocks before jumping off with tears in our eyes. I don’t care what people say, it’s unnatural and down rite cruel for those animals. All I am saying is do what you can.

Jumping off my soapbox now.

Comment below.