Haunting Image of Captive Walrus Is Yet Another Reminder of Why the Tanks Must be Emptied NOW!

Thanks to eye-opening films like Blackfish and the tireless work of activists, the public has become more aware of the atrocities that regularly occur at marine parks like SeaWorld and Loro Parque. Either barbarically kidnapped from the wild or irresponsibly bred in captivity and ripped away from their mothers shortly after birth, these remarkably intelligent, sensitive animals become objects for these businesses, forced to perform unnatural tricks before obnoxious crowds in exchange for food. Their home is little more than the equivalent of a bathtub for us, and psychological distress weighs deeply on these captive animals. A disorder known as zoochosis is common at zoos, circuses, marine parks, and the like, exhibited by compulsive, often dangerous behavior like pacing, head-bobbing, biting, self-harm, and even suicide attempts.

Although dolphins and orcas tend to get the most attention when it comes to the issue of emptying the tanks, other marine animals like walruses are also subjected to the same type of mistreatment and neglect in captivity. Taking to Instagram, The Oceanic Preservation Society shared a haunting image of a walrus named Zeus who is currently being held captive in Marineland Canada.

Zeus is clearly suffering and in poor health! He is emaciated and hunched over, depressed and lethargic, yet he is still forced to perform before a crowd for ticket sales.

Are you shocked and saddened by Zeus’ story and want to take action to help save him and other captive walruses like him? Then take a visit to the Save Smooshi website to learn how you can become involved in the mission.

The best things you can do to help be the change these animals so desperately need is never buy a ticket to one of these attractions and spread awareness to your friends, family, and peers. Many people are still clueless to the suffering and abuse that occurs at these horrid places, so please speak up for the animals and SHARE this with your network as a reminder why the tanks must be emptied now!

Image Source: oceanicpreservationsociety/Instagram