SeaWorld SHOULD support sanctuaries
WDC has been working with Merlin Entertainments to establish sanctuaries for bottlenose dolphins and beluga whales. It’s a long and complicated process to find the right site. Sanctuaries need to offer space and protection in clean waters of the right temperature while, ideally, being accessible to visitors so they can support the sanctuary financially, learn about the benefits of sanctuaries and spread the word. It also takes time to secure the necessary financial, political and community support. There are over 3000 whales, dolphins and porpoises held in captivity around the world and sanctuaries may be needed for them all!
WDC is also part of an expert panel focused on the establishment of a sanctuary in North America, should SeaWorld and others come to the long overdue conclusion that sanctuaries could be part of the future for the orcas currently held in concrete tanks, a fraction of the size of an orca’s natural habitat in the wild. And SeaWorld could be part of that future, too. Visitors could still see orcas, just under more natural conditions, on the orcas’ terms. SeaWorld has already said it wants to phase out its orca shows and has announced its orca breeding programmes will end. So come on, SeaWorld, help avoid another tragic orca death in captivity and help build sanctuaries where those remaining can have a more positive future.
