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
Hi…thanks for writing this article! For everyone\’s information, the goal of my petition is not and never has been to change Mount Carmel\’s prom, but to push the district to end future activities at SeaWorld. A year\’s worth of money and planning is put into prom and I would find it unethical to change it this late. Students should make an educated decision on whether or not they wish to attend. It is not at the fault of the district for prom. I am targeting the district because this involves ALL school activities (field trips, programs, etc.) to SeaWorld.
I do agree that holding prom is very profitable and I think SeaWorld is trying to gain money.
My Niece Maria is one of those Students, This is her first prom and she is looking forward to it. The so called profit you talk about is actually gone to the people who pay to get the food for the animals and of course the care and health of these animals and not just the orcas, but rescued animals such as sea turtles manatees, dolphins and even seals and pelicans too. Just because you watched blackfish doesn\’t make you correct. watch other movies and research before making a final opinion, lately blackfish has downfallen for many things including using disgruntled workers who were fired for doing things they shouldn\’t have, and using dated videos. I DARE you to find current videos that state whales ae abused etc, that they are starved as well. don\’t believe the blackfish hype. think about all the people who wont agree without because they made their choices. don\’t be the Debbie downer for those to appreciate marine life and respect the park for their efforts. none of the whale can be freed Iceland doesn\’t want them back, nor the hybrid whales wont have a place to go. The money isn\’t always FOR PROFIT as you think. so please. research for yourself BOTH sides before ruining everyone else\’s fun out of their own choices.
Zach, you are one misguided puppy. My children and I have taken great pleasure from our Seaworld memberships and have learned much about stewardship of nature from their very good programs. You are just a selfish misguided puppy trying to make a name for himself at everyonelse\’s expense. In other words, you are a jerk. If you want to choose not to attend their functions, fine. But to try to ruin it for everyone else is unconscionable. If you think keeping animals as pets is wrong, then start in your own backyard. get rid of your family and neighborhood\’s pets, before you start trying to take mine away. I enjoy my stewardship of animals and marine life through SeaWorld and you are a big jerk for trying to stop the good we are doing.