SeaWorld is getting out of the orca business.
The company announced plans to immediately end orca breeding, and so the current group of killer whales in the company's care will be the last generation of killer whales at SeaWorld.
“SeaWorld has introduced more than 400 million guests to orcas, and we are proud of our part in contributing to the human understanding of these animals,” Joel Manby, President and Chief Executive Officer of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., said in a statement. “We’ve helped make orcas among the most beloved marine mammals on the planet. As society’s understanding of orcas continues to change, SeaWorld is changing with it. By making this the last generation of orcas in our care and reimagining how guests will experience these beautiful animals, we are fulfilling our mission of providing visitors to our parks with experiences that matter.”
The remaining whales will continue to live at the company's facilities.
