I just heard that Willie Nelson is scheduled to perform at SeaWorld in Orlando on February 1. As a fan who respects his activism for animals, the environment, and other good causes, I find this very disappointing. If you've seen the documentary Blackfish, you know why it's so surprising. Please tell Willie Nelson you do not want him to support SeaWorld's animal cruelty.

SeaWorld Orlando is where the orca Tilikum is kept. He was caught in the wild about 30 years ago and has since been involved in three human deaths including that of SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheau right there in Orlando. The orcas at SeaWorld's theme parks (if they cared about animals, they would be non-profit sanctuaries or rehabilitation centers) are kept in tiny tanks where they become stressed, lack proper exercise, and are a risk to other animals and people.

SeaWorld also has also been fighting to import even more wild animals, beluga whales, into the United States, so it can make money off their captivity. And they're fighting to get trainers back into the water for performances even though they've been fined tens of thousands of dollars because it's already been proven to be a huge risk to the workers.

Willie Nelson is an iconic musician and activist. Please join me in politely asking Willie Nelson to drop plans to perform at SeaWorld. To do so would be promoting cruelty to orcas and other animals.