Since 1985, SeaWorld has been breeding orcas at their parks to perform tricks. To amuse us. To sell tickets.

On June 8th, 2010, it was reported that Taima, one of the females impregnated by Tilikum, the whale involved in the drowning of trainer Dawn Brancheu three months ago, died while giving birth to her stillborn calf.  Just another casualty of the animal entertainment business. 

If anything, the rising human and animal death toll at the marine parks in recent years should indicate that it’s far past time to retire the orcas in SeaWorld’s employ, and allow them to live out their lives in an ocean sanctuary, where they can enjoy a more natural habitat and still be protected from the dangers that their captive upbringing would subject them to in the wild.  

Tell SeaWorld to end its captive breeding program and release its orcas to an ocean sanctuary. While the orcas may not have a voice, you do. 

Photo credit: hyku