SeaWorld Makes List of 4 Most Hated U.S. Companies

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SeaWorld has repeatedly claimed that the controversial “Blackfish” film was full of misleading evidence and was more of a propaganda piece than an objective documentary; however, it appears that the American public isn’t buying that story. According to a recent report released by Comsumerist, SeaWorld has made the list of the four most unpopular U.S. corporations.

Who made the list? SeaWorld, of course. And Walmart, Monsanto and Comcast. We could just rename the companies: Animal Abuse, Sweatshop Labor, GMOs and Terrible Customer Service.

SeaWorld’s reputation came under fire in 2013 when the premier of “Blackfish” brought the mistreatment of captive orcas to the public’s attention. In the wake the film’s release, celebrities and activists boycotted the parks, helping to spread awareness and increase support for the documentary. As park attendance plummeted and, as a result, SeaWorld’s stock value decreased, many parks were forced to lower the price of admission in order to try and make up for lost revenue.

Shortly after the release of “Blackfish,” the U.S. Department of Agriculture joined the ranks of SeaWorld’s critics and fined the park for failing to properly maintain flooring and tanks. The USDA determined that the health and safely of animal performers was put at risk by the outdated facilities. Then, in the beginning of 2014, SeaWorld was fined again for the same flooring issue and the use of expired surgical sutures. These sutures, if used on any of the parks’ injured animals, could result in severe and life-threatening infections.

Today, over a year and a half after the premier of “Blackfish,” the marine park operator continues to face decreased attendance and revenue. Consumerist reports that SeaWorld’s annual number of visitors fell by 4% in 2014, with even lower numbers seen in the last three months.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

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