SeaWorld is responding to critics with a minute-by-minute breakdown of the film "Blackfish," pointing out statements the theme park claims are inaccurate or misleading in the documentary that blasted SeaWorld's keeping of killer whales in captivity.

A list of "69 reasons why you shouldn't believe Blackfish" was posted on SeaWorld's Facebook accounts Monday, less than 24 hours before a hearing Tuesday on a proposed California bill that would have forced SeaWorld San Diego to stop using killer whales in the park's shows and release them from their tanks.

The bill was put on hold Tuesday in Sacramento, meaning it's dead for the year.



"Blackfish," aired by CNN in October 2013, heavily criticized SeaWorld, saying the 2010 death of trainer Dawn Brancheau by the orca Tilikum in Orlando was avoidable. Brancheau drowned after Tilikum grabbed her ponytail and dragged her into the water.

The bill's author, Democrat Richard Bloom, agreed on Tuesday during the first committee hearing for AB2140 to revisit his proposal after further study.

Bloom, who said was inspired after seeing "Blackfish," said lawmakers weren't ready to vote and that the discussion to date has been fueled by fear and misinformation.

Dozens of animal rights activists packed the hearing room in California to support the bill, which will not be taken up again until sometime in 2015 at the earliest.

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SeaWorld's '69 reasons why you shouldn't believe Blackfish'

Source: SeaWorld Orlando, via Facebook

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