Topic > An Argument for the Release of Killer Whales and Other Marine Animals from SeaWorlds Around the World

Many agree that killer whales and other aquatic animals held captive at SeaWorlds around the world should be released , and their arguments are justifiable. Animals kept in man-made habitats should be treated well and with the utmost care. SeaWorld announced in mid-March that it had ended its orca breeding program and that "SeaWorld's 29 [remaining] orcas, ranging in age from 1 to 51, will remain in captivity, but in new, challenging natural encounters with orcas ,” (Kay). These whales will help change the future of companies around the world that keep animals in captivity. However, some still argue that the remaining whales should be released or placed in sea pens. The remaining whales must not be released or placed in marine pens, as their chances of survival will decrease exponentially compared to if they were still in captivity. Say no to plagiarism Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get the original SeaWorld essay first. they introduced orcas to their parks in the 1960s and have since introduced 150 orcas to their parks. SeaWorld has announced the end of its orca breeding program, following thousands of complaints and pressure from animal rights activist groups, and after the remaining orcas die, it will become difficult to "reinvent [their] main attraction." , according to Kay. SeaWorld plans to focus more on marine life sciences and animal rescue operations, which would be a positive change and a step in the right direction. SeaWorld plans to use the remaining orcas to help educate and inspire children Although SeaWorld has announced that it plans to end its orca shows in 2016, it still expects orcas to help in their new upcoming projects. Kay says SeaWorld plans to focus more on marine life sciences, which will help inspire and educate children about the wonders of the ocean. Walczak says SeaWorld's new plan will be a "...way to escape everyday life and reconnect with nature" (2). SeaWorld also plans to focus more on animal rescue operations, which ties into the controversial issue of other aquariums and zoos housing animals in captivity. Many see SeaWorld's change in orca planning as an incentive to start protesting zoos and aquariums. Zoos and aquariums play an important role in animal rescue operations. The Louisville Zoo in Kentucky has welcomed the world's remaining 18 black-footed ferrets and, thanks to animal rescue operations, has brought the population to more than 700, writes Louisville Zoo Director Walczak. SeaWorld has also been formally accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, also known as AZA. AZA helps zoos and aquariums focus on animal rescue operations and helps restore near-extinct animal populations to safe numbers. SeaWorld has had many problems, but it is changing its entire business to create something useful and important for marine biology education. Since SeaWorld began holding orca shows, hundreds of animal rights groups have protested, complained and signed petitions to eradicate orca shows. Another powerful incentive and persuader is the 2013 documentary Blackfish, a story about one of SeaWorld's most famous orcas called Tilikum. Tilikum is famous for fatally wounding three people in the.