SeaWorld: The Captive Dilemma
Sea World was established in San Diego opened up in March of 1964. The early Sea World park consisted of dolphins and sea lions. The Orlando location opened up in 1973, the Texas brand opened in 1988. While Sea World has been around for many years, they have faced several ethical dilemmas.
Sea World is the main event when it comes to the ethical issue of keeping animals in captivity.
How it Came into the Spotlight
Sea World is the main event when it comes to the ethical issue of keeping animals in captivity.
The Issue
The issue with animals in captivity is that it the environment in which the facility creates is typically not exactly like their natural habitat. Especially with aquatic animals, it is hard to mimic the spacious ocean they are meant to be living in. In Sea World's case they defend their purpose of keeping animals captive by using scientific research goals. At the end of this post I have included several links that discuss Sea World's actions and effects on the animals.
The issue with animals in captivity is that it the environment in which the facility creates is typically not exactly like their natural habitat. Especially with aquatic animals, it is hard to mimic the spacious ocean they are meant to be living in. In Sea World's case they defend their purpose of keeping animals captive by using scientific research goals. At the end of this post I have included several links that discuss Sea World's actions and effects on the animals.
How it Came into the Spotlight
Sea World hasn't been a spotlight in the media in a couple of years, but they are still facing repercussions after the movie Blackfish came out. There are also books written by former Sea World trainers that reveal more truths behind what is really going on in these captivity tanks and at the company in general. I also included a link to Sea World disproving these myths.
Sea World is a large company with a lot of ethical issues going on. In my next blog posts, I will dive into further analysis on their treatment of animals and their trainers as well as their reaction to Blackfish and how they could/should handle this problem. What are your initial thoughts about this captivity dilemma?
Personal Reaction
As a person who cares deeply about animals of all kinds, it pains me to see that the killer whale's are not being treated properly on a multitude of levels. Luckily, some action has been taken, but it isn't enough. Sea World needs to fix their issues before it is too late for these magnificent creatures and pay for their unethical treatment of animals.
Personal Reaction
As a person who cares deeply about animals of all kinds, it pains me to see that the killer whale's are not being treated properly on a multitude of levels. Luckily, some action has been taken, but it isn't enough. Sea World needs to fix their issues before it is too late for these magnificent creatures and pay for their unethical treatment of animals.
I am a person who also care deeply about animals. I don't think they deserve to be treated the way Sea World is treating their animals. in fact, I don't think animals should be held captive just for humans entertainment. But then again, it is a double edge sword. On one hand, you want the animals to roam free in their natural habitat. On another, holding them captive is the only way we could see and learn about them in a safe environment.
ReplyDeleteI agree that it is a double edged sword on a number of levels. It is important to be able to understand aquatic animals and how we can create a sustainable world for them, but we cannot keep them in concrete cages. I wish they could convert to more seaside havens than concrete crates in the middle of the state.
DeleteAdmittedly, SeaWorld was always a place I had wanted to visit as a child. Until I watched Blackfish, I had never even considered the possibility that SeaWorld could potentially be the cause of an ethical issue. I'm interested to see how you describe this case.
ReplyDeleteAs someone who has visited SeaWlrld as a child, doing research on this was heartbreaking. After learning all of the damages that these animals suffered, I'm glad they're ending the killer whale shows. Hopefully they can make more improvements in the right direction.
DeleteI have also visited SeaWorld and it pains me to think I might have contributed to the cruelty that occurs there. Im glad that these issues have come to light in recent years.
ReplyDeleteI agree. It is kind of sad how many people have visited these parks and not ever know what they "supported" over the years of visits. But on the other end, they were also supporting scientific research and rehabilitation of wild animals in some of SeaWorld's non-park programs.
ReplyDelete