The death toll continues to rise at SeaWorld after a 12-year-old orca named Sumar died at the theme park’s San Diego location. Sumar died far short of the expected 50- to 60-year lifespan of orcas who roam the vast oceans, their rightful homes.
Orcas are intelligent marine mammals who think and plan and work cooperatively. They share complex extended family relationships and swim for up to 100 miles every day. At SeaWorld, their worlds have been reduced to tiny, barren concrete tanks where they perform tricks for food and splash shrieking crowds.
These animals will continue to live and die in misery as long as the public buys a ticket. The next time your family is considering a trip to SeaWorld, please ask yourself if it’s right to expect the lifelong confinement of intelligent and aware animals for a few hours of diversion. Please say no.
Jennifer O’Connor, Research Specialist, PETA Foundation