1.
How do you think CNN's "Blackfish" has influenced the public opinion
of SeaWorld?
The entire past years exponential increases in
viewers of Blackfish, from January 2013 when it was given ecstatic reviews
starting with Sundance, to the theatrical runs starting in July, to the airing
on CNN in the fall and again in January, and the streaming on Netflix that
showed to another 20 million viewers, and now to be shown across western and
eastern Europe, Asia and Africa, this film is shifting public perception of the
business of holding orcas for display in a circus. SeaWorld is the big leader
in that business, and their credibility and authority are rapidly eroding.
2. Do you think "Blackfish"'s portrayal of SeaWorld was accurate? Why
or why not?
It did accurately show the sides of the business very few people were aware of, and it amply gave the industry’s self-image as well, although without the self-serving but irrelevant rationalizations.
3. SeaWorld recently filed an appeal against the new ruling that trainers must
be behind a barrier while interacting with the orcas- how do you feel about
this law and what do you think the chances of SeaWorld winning the appeal are?
For the safety of the trainers it’s a good regulation, but the whales would be better off if trainers could go in the water with them. I don’t think SeaWorld will win the appeal.
4. In what physical and/or psychological ways are orcas affected by captivity?
Orcas are highly evolved to travel great distances every day. Their immune systems, cardiovascular and metabolic systems need that constant exertion to function properly. Their brains are also evolved for membership in large extended families as extensions of themselves. Captivity deprives them of those essential elements, leading to chronic stresses that appear as immunodeficiency, ulcers and hostility.
5. What social effects can you imagine the public experiencing if animal
captivity ceased to exist? In your opinion, would this be a negative or
positive change and why?
It would be a great enhancement to our social identity to remove this ongoing travesty from our economy. We will soon look back on captive orca and dolphin displays as much like slavery or the Roman Circus.
6. What are some positive steps SeaWorld could take to improve the quality of life of the captive mammals?
Relocate them to natural sea pens to be cared
for indefinitely. Thanks. Howard
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