Governor Jerry Brown (D) yesterday signed a law banning theme parks and other organizations in California from breeding orcas and using them in entertainment performances.

Starting in June 2017, killer whales in captivity can be used only for “educational presentations.”

The law also makes exceptions for scientific and educational institutions researching or rehabilitating the creatures.

The provision was part of a budget-related bill sent recently to the governor’s desk.

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SeaWorld, featured in the 2013 documentary “Blackfish,” said in March that it would stop breeding orcas.

–Reprinted with permission from E&E Publishing

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