Yesterday, the announcement was made by SeaWorld that they are putting an end to their orca breeding program with immediate effect. In everyday terms, this means that male killer whales will no longer be masturbated by their trainers to collect semen. Don't get me wrong, this announcement is a huge relief and a step forward not just for SeaWorld and their orcas but also for humankind. But let's not allow this news to excuse the abuse and deceit that has gone on for decades at one of America's biggest, richest attractions. Sure, this is the best news possible for the next generation of orcas who will no longer be subjected to a lifetime of enslavement. But let's not forget the remaining 24 orcas held across SeaWorld's parks, who will continue to live the rest of their pitiful lives in captivity.

As part of its announcement, SeaWorld claimed that their orcas are not able to be released as they would not be able to survive in the conditions of the wild. First of all, let us remember that the reason for this is because SeaWorld and their Shamu stadiums provide an environment which is so unlike the natural habitat of killer whales that the whales would not have any idea how to survive in the very environment in which they evolved to thrive in. Furthermore, SeaWorld claims that they will now use the orcas for educational purposes for the rest of their days. What a pity it is that we feel the need to make the lives of innocent, majestic animals a misery for our own gain. If anybody is learning anything from this, it is that it is okay to use our world and the beautiful creatures within it as a means to an end... no matter the cost.

Lastly, I believe SeaWorld's only motivation for making such a decision, which they describe as having been 'very difficult'; is the maintenance of their reputation and maximising their profits by making sure that ceasing to breed orcas looks to be their goodwill. Lets remember that in December, SeaWorld attempted to sue Californian authorities following the ban on their breeding program at SeaWorld San Deigo. It was only a matter of time before the ban spread to all of its parks, so the only option SeaWorld really had was to accept defeat and attempt to fade out with the least blame - a blame they have stopped at nothing to avoid for years.

SeaWorld: I have not forgotten about the killer whales which are still trapped in your parks, never to be set free. Whilst I understand that your treatment of them has been so damaging that you are unable to release them into the wild, I would like to propose that you put an end to their suffering by either retiring them to a sanctuary or euthanising them. Your dignity will never come back - do what is right and give the whales theirs.