the blog.

Elizabeth Turnbull 3/25/16 Elizabeth Turnbull 3/25/16

SeaWorld Takes A Step... But Is It Enough?

I was elated to hear the recent news that SeaWorld has agreed to end their orca breeding program effective immediately. This decision has come far too late but gives me hope that the tides are changing for the animals who share our planet.

However, I can't help but wonder, is this decision enough to make a real difference to the whale populations already living in these parks?

I'm not so sure.

However, I can't help but wonder, is this decision enough to make a real difference to the whale populations already living in these parks?

I'm not so sure.

SeaWorld is ending its breeding program, but is it enough? // Plant Based Bride

SeaWorld's Breeding Program

Artificial insemination of orcas began in the year 2000, touted as a means of diversifying the gene pool. However, it shortly became clear that the motives rested more on potential profit from baby whales than on conservation efforts.

There were many issues with the breeding program at SeaWorld, not the least being inbreeding (such as between mother and son) which would never happen in the wild. They also routinely removed the calves from their mothers after at most a couple of years. In the wild a mother and child would remain together for the entirety of their lives.

Another problem with the program? Female orcas were impregnated much younger than their wild counterparts. While the average age of first pregnancy in the wild is 14.9 years, time after time captive whales were giving birth as young as 8 years old. This may or may not be a factor in the numerous miscarriages and still births recorded in captivity.

There has been additional criticism over the fact that SeaWorld has repetitively bred aggressive animals, including Tilikum - the whale featured in Blackfish who has been the cause of three human deaths - resulting in 21 calves.

Is SeaWorld doing enough for their orcas? // Plant Based Bride

Conservation

SeaWorld has stated repeatedly over the years that keeping orcas in captivity is a conservation effort - maintaining population numbers and caring for orcas who are unable to survive in the wild.

However, there are several issues with this claim:

Orcas are not an endangered species according to the WWF;
Breeding and capturing orcas only to keep them in captivity for the entirety of their lives may artificially raise population numbers but does nothing to maintain a thriving population of orcas in the wild (where they belong);
Attempts to release orcas kept in captivity for extended periods often fail, as their captive environment doesn't allow the development of natural behaviours and instincts needed for survival in the wild;
Studies conducted on captive whales cannot be extrapolated to wild whales due to the many differences they exhibit compared to their counterparts living in their natural environment and family groups;
Captive orcas do not live as long as orcas in the wild. Granny, a 103 year old orca, lives in the pacific ocean with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in a pod. The oldest orca in captivity is Corky, a 51 year old female captured in 1969 along with 5 other whales, who are now all dead, and held at SeaWorld San Diego.

It has become increasingly clear that the benefits of maintaining captive orca populations are far more financial than conservational.

SeaWorld moves towards a more humane business practice. But is it enough? // Plant Based Bride

Treatment of Orcas in Captivity

In this fascinating essay written by John Hargrove, a former trainer at SeaWorld, he expresses his horror at what was done to these incredible creatures for over a decade:

'I saw and did things that haunt me to this day. I realized that we were exploiting these whales for enormous profit and disguising it as education and conservation.'

What was Hargrove referring to?

Physical and emotional symptoms of stress and boredom due to captivity including:
- Biting steel gates, causing their teeth to fracture and break off, and the corners of their concrete tanks, wearing their teeth down to the point of requiring holes to be drilled into them for irrigation by metal catheter;
- Extended periods of listless floating leading to complete dorsal fin collapse in some females and in 100% of males, something that occurs in less than 1% of adult males in the wild, due to unnatural amounts of time spent at the surface;
- Amplified aggression against other whales and humans, rarely if ever seen in the wild, and;
- Obsessive and repetitive behaviours such as circling a pool for hours on end.
The distribution of huge amounts of drugs such as:
- Antibiotics to combat frequent infection;
- Drugs to treat fungal infections and ulcers;
- Medication for epilepsy, and;
- Valium for invasive procedures, moving whales from park to park, and removing calves from their mother.
The removal of whales from their families, even those born in captivity;
The unnatural habitat made up of small concrete pools devoid of the sounds, smells, and experiences enjoyed in the wild, and;
The deaths of many orcas far before their time:
- Many stillborn babies, and;
- Numerous deaths of whales in their teens or younger due to infections and other health problems.

Blackfish Brings Controversy

Blackfish, an American documentary released in 2013, centres around Tilikum, an orca captured off the coast of Iceland in 1983 and involved in the deaths of three people: a part-time trainer named Keltie Byrne in 1991, a trespasser names Daniel Dukes in 1999, and an experienced trainer named Dawn Brancheau in 2010.

The film brought attention to the many attacks over the years by captive whales, a conservative estimate sitting at 35 attacks resulting in 4 fatalities since the 1960s. Orcas attacking humans is not common behaviour in the wild, where only 6 threats and attacks have been recorded since the 1910s, resulting in zero deaths.

John Hargrove said in response to the 2010 attack on Dawn Brancheau:

'We will never know why Tilikum made the decision to grab Dawn, pull her in, and dismember her, but what we do know is that it was an aggressive attack. These are wild apex predators.'

The film brought about major public outrage over the treatment and conditions of captive orcas. SeaWorld claimed they had no knowledge of the dangers associated with close contact with orcas, which has been disputed by trainers within the organization. Judge Ken Welsch stated:

'No reasonable person... would conclude that SeaWorld was unaware that working in close contact with killer whales during performances creates a hazard for its trainers.'

There has been increasing pressure from animals rights groups and the public since the film's release for improvement in the living conditions for whales in captivity, the dismantling of SeaWorld's breeding program, the end of theatrical shows involving orcas, and the release of captive animals to the wild.

SeaWorld Announces the End of Theatrical Orca Shows // Plant Based Bride

The Future of Orcas in Captivity

On March 17th, 2016 and in partnership with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), SeaWorld acquiesced to the numerous pleas to end their orca breeding program for good.

This means the current population of captive whales held by SeaWorld, 29 orcas in total, will be the last generation of orcas in captivity, with one small caveat. One of the female orcas housed at SeaWorld named Takara is currently pregnant, meaning at least one more whale will be born in captivity.

It was also announced that SeaWorld intends to phase out their theatrical orca shows in favour of more 'natural' displays for visitors beginning as early as 2017. In the Humane Society's press release, Wayne Pacelle, the president and CEO of HSUS, said:

'These two organizations have been long-time adversaries, but we're excited now to see the company transforming its operations for the better on animal welfare. Today's announcement signals that the era of captive display of orcas will end and that SeaWord will redouble its work around rescue and rehabilitation of marine mammals in crisis and parter with us to tackle global threats to marine creatures.'

While this announcement will not cause immediate change in the parks, it is most definitely a move in the right direction for our planet's orcas.

The park released a statement saying:

'Society is changing and we’re changing with it. SeaWorld is finding new ways to continue to deliver on our purpose to inspire all our guest to take action to protect wild animals and wild places.'

Is SeaWorld doing enough for the orcas they hold in captivity? // Plant Based Bride

So What's Next?

SeaWorld has announced that they do not plan to release their (soon to be) 30 orcas into the wild, stating that they would not be able to survive in their natural habitat after years (or entire lifetimes) in captivity.

This is troubling, as these 30 whales will live as many as 50 or 60 years without ever feeling the sun on their backs as they swim through the waves, hunting for prey, traveling hundreds of miles each and everyday, and creating lifelong family bonds in a pod.

Further, how will SeaWorld prevent accidental pregnancy in their whales, or will they leave it to chance?

Will they continue to improve the living conditions of these whales?

I don't wish to diminish the incredible step that SeaWorld is taking, and agree with both Dr. Naomi Rose, a marine mammal scientist with the Animal Welfare Institute, who said:

'This is a first, massive step forward toward a more humane future for SeaWorld. I welcome these commitments from Joel Manby. He has given SeaWorld a new lease on life.'

And Gabriela Cowperthwaite, director of Blackfish, who stated:

'This is a defining moment. The fact that SeaWorld is doing away with orca breeding marks truly meaningful change.'

But I can't help but wonder, is it enough?

I want to hear your thoughts, so please comment below or reach out to me on my facebook or twitter!

Until next time,

Linked Up.

Top Ten Problems With Zoos

I understand the appeal... a day out with the family, road trip, sunshine, adorable baby animals from exotic lands...

But zoos aren't all they're cracked up to be.

The recent documentary film Blackfish has brought the whole world's critical attention to SeaWorld, and further, to zoos in general.

And yet, somehow, zoos and other establishments capitalizing on the lives of animals for human entertainment around the world are still in business.

Stick around for ten sobering problems with zoos. Hopefully you'll be convinced that your hard-earned money is far better spent supporting conservation efforts for animals in the wild and buying vegan food for your family than taking this particular type of day trip.

I understand the appeal... a day out with the family, road trip, sunshine, adorable baby animals from exotic lands...

But zoos aren't all they're cracked up to be.

The recent documentary film Blackfish has brought the whole world's critical attention to SeaWorld, and further, to zoos in general.

And yet, somehow, zoos and other establishments capitalizing on the lives of animals for human entertainment around the world are still in business.

Zoos aren't all they're cracked up to be... learn the top ten problems with zoos and choose a more compassionate way to appreciate wild animals! // Plant Based Bride

ONE... Life in Captivity

These animals are imprisoned, no ifs, ands, or buts about it. Ever notice the bars and glass preventing animals from leaving their pens? Zoos are not a resort for exotic animals, zoos are a jail. If you think for one moment that these animals prefer to live in a cage over their vast natural habitat, you are sorely mistaken.

TWO... Man's Best Friend

Dogs and cats? Sure. Lions and tigers? I don't think so. The exotic animals held in zoos are not domesticated. They are wild, just as they should be. They could no more live with you in your one bedroom downtown apartment than you could survive on the Savannah without air conditioning and your macbook. Wild animals should not be in such close and constant contact with humans.

Why not?

Because the more time they spend with us, in our 'care', the less able of living on their own in their natural habitat they become. They become dependent on us.

Not only are we imprisoning them, but we're taking away their ability to survive if we ever tried to correct our mistakes and set them free.

THREE... The Pursuit of Happiness

I don't know if you've ever noticed, but animals in zoos don't look very happy. Would you be, sentenced to life in prison when you had done nothing wrong? I think not.

Some argue that there is no way to confirm or deny an animal's sadness. Well I beg to differ. We can see their unhappiness in their eyes. And if that's too 'spiritual' for you, why not look at the plain facts?

Animals in captivity exhibit unnatural behaviours such as apathy, aggression, and stalled maturation (prolonged infantile behaviour). They also carry out a wide spectrum of stress behaviours, ranging from pacing to self-mutilation and beyond. These are not behaviours noted in the wild.

Abnormal repetitive behaviour is a term used to describe these stress behaviours, anything from pacing back and forth or circling, rocking from side to side, head bobbing or weaving, continuous licking or biting of walls and bars, overgrooming and self-mutilation, vomiting, and eating feces. For video examples of these behaviours, click here.

You don't need to be an expert to see that those animals are NOT happy.

FOUR... Profit Over Conservation

Contrary to popular belief, a zoos' main purpose is not conservation. It's profit.

Need proof?

The Toronto Zoo lists seven endangered species which they are attempting to breed in captivity and reintroduce to the wild on their website . That's seven out of more than 460 species found at the zoo, or just 1.5%.

And the profits? Just some simple math considering their over 100,000 person attendance in March 2013 and the cost of a ticket ($23 for an adult, $14 for a child), even assuming equal numbers of both, the zoo would be bringing in 1.85 million dollars in a single month, without considering the generous donations they undoubtably receive.

Something seems off with this equation, and I don't think it's my calculator.

Oh, and another tidbit, just for fun. The Toronto Zoo clearly states on their lion information page that "Lions are losing their habitat due to the expansion of human activity (primarily agriculture)..." and yet they serve the results of animal agriculture to the masses of visitors flooding through their gates each and every day.

Conservation is clearly the priority here.

FIVE... Lifespan

Many claim that animals live longer in captivity, but this may not be quite as accurate as they would hope. While some individuals may live longer due to lack of predators and competition for food; stress, obesity, and other factors lead to the early death of many zoo animals.

One study found a difference of almost 40 years between elephants in captivity (living an average of 16.9 years) and those in the wild (an average of 56 years).

Orcas? Their lifespan is cut by as much as 87 years (from a lifespan of up to 100 years for females in the wild to an average lifespan of 13 years at SeaWorld).

Perhaps they would be better off in their natural habitat?

SIX... Victim Blaming is NOT the Answer

The solution to hunting and poaching is not to displace the animals, but the hunters and poachers. Why should the victims be further punished?

Of course hunting and poaching are immoral behaviours and the animals must be protected. But we need to imprison the abusers, not the abused.

SEVEN... What's 'Natural' Anyway?

Definitely not the tiny enclosures with painted backgrounds in zoos all over the world. These pens are not these animals' natural habitat, nowhere close. Who could ever think that a 5.8 million gallon pool at SeaWorld is equivalent to the over 350 quintillion gallons of water in the world's oceans? Or a 10,000 by 10,000 meter enclosure sufficient when wild African elephants walk more than 50 miles (more than 80,000 meters) per day?

Zoos are poor imitations of the many incredible ecosystems on Earth, and a poor substitute for a home.

EIGHT... The Birds and the Bees

Zoos are known for their breeding programs, both because they tout them proudly as conservation efforts for endangered species, and because they produce the cute cuddly baby animals we all love to gawk at.

As a statement from SeaWorld so eloquently put it: "Breeding is a natural, fundamental and important part of an animal's life and depriving a social animal of the right to reproduce is inhumane."

Because keeping Orcas in tiny pools and forcing them to do tricks in front of thousands of screaming people is a natural, fundamental and important part of an animal's life, and social animals love to have no choice whatsoever in whether or not they reproduce, and with whom.

Right.

What happens when one too many cute baby animals have been bred and there's not enough space to keep them? There are two options: kill them (after which point they may be fed to other captive animals) or sell them.

Who would buy surplus zoo animals? Other zoos, exotic animal dealers, ranches, circuses, pet shops, research centres, and the exotic meat industry.

And the zoo pockets the cash.

NINE... A Life Full of Purpose

Quiz time! Where do you think a lioness is most able to fulfill her life's purpose: on the African savannah with her 7 or so fellow adult pride members and cubs, contending with other predators, hunting for food, and protecting her young OR being forced into association with other lions, fed at regular intervals, selectively bred, and kept in a small enclosure free from other species or any true semblance to her natural habitat?

I think the answer is pretty clear.

TEN... Which E Is It?

Everyone loves to bring up the point that zoos are educational.

I'd argue that zoos are far more entertainment than education.

I can learn much more over the course of 15 minutes on the internet than I can watching animals suffering from zoochosis in an unnatural habitat for those same 15.

Perhaps families should commit more time to the watching of documentaries and reading of books rather than contributing to the unnecessary and cruel exploitation of animals.

They've done nothing to deserve it.

Well, there you have it, ten of the most poignant problems with zoos. I, for one, will never again attend a zoo, circus, or other area of captivity for non-domesticated animals.

What are your thoughts on zoos? Start a conversation in the comments!

Until next time,

Linked Up.

Don't forget to subscribe to the Plant Based Bride newsletter below the comment section! Get first dibs on freebies, news, and other fun stuff and be in direct contact with yours truly.

(You know you want to.)