Well this can’t be too big of a surprise. After sending their own marine mammal veterinarian, Dr. Heather Rally, to SeaWorld, PETA is now filing a complaint that will call the U.S. Department of Agriculture to send inspectors to SeaWorld in San Diego. The complaint was issued as a result of Rally’s findings while at the marine park.
According to the report, Rally found “scars and lesions on dolphins, orcas, and other animals; witnessed unprotected and unsupervised contact between visitors and aggressive animals; and observed listless animals engaging in abnormal, repetitive behavior likely caused by stress, among other apparent violations of federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA).”
SeaWorld has been under huge scrutiny since early 2013 when the documentary “Blackfish” made its life changing debut. The film chronicles the life of Tilikum – a performing orca who killed his trainer – while addressing other important topics in animal captivity. The film has had a noticeable impact on the park, since its release SeaWorld’s attendance dropped by 13 percent.
Ric O’Barry (the man who serves as the main focus for the Academy Award-winning documentary, “The Cove”) will be accompanying Rally in a news conference this week that will discuss the findings of the PETA report and potentially call for “immediate federal action.”
PETA President, Ingrid Newkirk, stated, “This veterinary report confirms that SeaWorld is causing animals to suffer both physically and psychologically in hopelessly inadequate tanks. PETA is asking families to stay far away from SeaWorld, where deprived orcas can do nothing but swim in endless circles, stressed dolphins take their aggression out on one another, and a walrus in solitary confinement is reduced to regurgitating his food out of boredom.”
PETA prides itself on preaching the motto “animals are not ours to use for entertainment.” The organization’s complaint will highlight multiple AWA violations, one of which being that orcas are displaying abnormal behaviors (such as floating at the top of tank enclosures) that indicate signs of stress. PETA also intends on addressing the mental health of a SeaWorld owned walrus as well as the physical health of physically damaged captive cetaceans.
The meeting will be held on October 21 in San Diego. Only time will tell what further actions PETA can take against the multi-billion dollar marine park.
Image source: Antoine Taveneaux/Wikimedia Commons
Of course they are stressed. That is not a natural environment. The animals don\’t get to be who they are. They are kept for the amusement of the people and for the money they bring in. I call that slavery and cruel. Sea World should be closed down.
Many people are unaware that OSHA filed a report regarding Seaworld and these mammals. This request was made by PETA and others. The report did not find any concerns regarding the claims PETA had. In fact, several leading marine biologist assisted with the variety of testing on the marine mammals. They also said the animals are not in any danger and are treated very humanely. While many of them did say they do not agree with these animals being in captivity, they also said the public is incredibly misinformed to the truth due to many documentaries and opinions stating information that is untrue. The report and testing process took quite a long time to complete. I find it quite interesting that PETA has chosen to bring its own veterinarians after the federal report they asked for and preached about didn\’t come out in their favor.
Why doesn\’t PETA go to the Zoos and test those mammals. Why don\’t they advocate for there release!!!! They are a joke!!!
AMEN to that Samantha!!!!! you are so right