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We thought we had seen the full-extent of absurd “fun with captive animals” programs. From swimming with dolphins to yoga with captive whales, we have scoffed and observed with horror, but PROM with captive orcas  just breaches a level of “really?!” that can’t truly be expressed in written word.

While “Under the Sea” may be a common theme for proms, this San Diego high school is taking it to a new level, choosing to host their prom at SeaWorld. The decision is stirring up quite a bit of drama – far exceeding the normal high school levels. Upon hearing the news that Mount Carmel high would be holding prom at SeaWorld, a student from neighboring high school, Poway Unified, took action.

Seventeen-year-old, Zach Affolter has wasted no time setting up a petition to have the Mount Carmel prom moved, though he fears it may be too late to have the dance relocated. The petition on change.org has garnered Support from students and adults alike who share in Affolter’s disapproval of SeaWorld’s breeding and captive cetacean programs.

In response to Affolter’s petition, SeaWorld San Diego representatives told local new stations: “There is no organization more passionately committed to the physical, mental, social care and well-being of animals than SeaWorld.”

I would say that the fact that SeaWorld is open to hosting prom prove just the opposite, illustrating their willingness to disrespect the suffering of captive animals to turn a profit. I thought being watched by a fleet of chaperones was awkward at prom, I can only imagine what being stared down by captive whales would be like…

Image source: Wikipedia Commons