SeaWorld San Diego will be ending its well-known orca shows in 2016, and will be introducing a new show focusing on the natural behaviours and habitat of killer whales in an attempt to repackage the concept of captivity and make it more appealing for its guests.
Due to growing criticism from animal-rights activists, SeaWorld will be phasing out its signature killer whale show in San Diego Park starting next year, according to CBS Los Angeles.
In lieu of the traditional orca show, the park will showcase a new kind of "orca experience" for its visitors. The new show will be highlighting the killer whales' natural habitat and behaviors beginning in 2017, SeaWorld's CEO told investors on Nov. 9, Monday. He said the main factor for the company's decision was the negative customer feedback.
It will be recalled that SeaWorld has received widespread criticism and a series of blows from various groups, especially after the release of the documentary "Blackfish" exposing the dark truth of the industry.
The CNN documentary released in 2013 revealed that the orcas in captivity were made more aggressive due to the psychological pressure of having to perform on a daily basis. With the released documentary, SeaWorld is trying to uphold their public image while trying to recover from the steep drop in profits.
Eric Rose, a Los Angeles-based public relations expert, thinks that the company's lower-than expected collection generated the changes. Rose also stated that SeaWorld continues to try and reassure their investors that the company is rebranding itself in San Diego. Despite the alleged rebranding, SeaWorld is being vague about the content of their new shows and if the company fails to describe their ultimate plans quickly, they are reportedly going to have a continual backlash.
The publication also reported that the president-elect of the International Marine Animal Trainers' Association revealed to KNX 1070 NEWSRADIO that the move is being grasped by the trainers and other animal welfare professionals nationwide.
The orcas or better known as killer whales have been the talk of the town since 2010 because of the untimely death of trainer Dawn Brancheau, who was drowned by an orca at SeaWorld Orlando. Despite the death of the trainer, animal-rights activists called the move a marketing gimmick and wanted to stop the company from holding whales in captivity.
The Telegraph reported that after the release of "Blackfish," SeaWorld is now in damage control and is having State lawmakers introduce the Orca Responsibility and Care Advancement Act bill. It also reported how a small documentary could shatter a $2 billion worth industry and influenced the plot of "Finding Nemo's" sequel "Finding Dory."