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Bad News For SeaWorld: 103-Year-Old Orca Recently Spotted Thriving In The Wild
May 12, 2015 by Amanda Froelich
As you might be aware, the release of controversial documentary BlackFish did nothing to gain the the marine park new supporters, and in the wake of several lawsuits recently filed in the US, a growing number of concerned citizens are joining in the boycotting of SeaWorld until it either closes down, or improves the treatment of its orcas.
Of course, SeaWorld denies mistreating its whales, and is adamant that in captivity the orcas live longer, healthier lives than they might in the wild.
But since a 103-year-old orca was spotted thriving off the western coast of Canada, some of the ‘facts’ SeaWorld has stated to allay public concern no longer hold true – and this is a big problem for the marine park.
Of course, SeaWorld denies mistreating its whales, and is adamant that in captivity the orcas live longer, healthier lives than they might in the wild.
But since a 103-year-old orca was spotted thriving off the western coast of Canada, some of the ‘facts’ SeaWorld has stated to allay public concern no longer hold true – and this is a big problem for the marine park.
Why is this such bad news for SeaWorld?
Quite simply, because SeaWorld has made previous claims that “no one knows for sure how long killer whales live.” With Granny as a living example – albeit a rare one – of how long orcas might be capable of thriving in the wild, the average whale’s life expectancy of only 20 -30 years in captivity (according to SeaWorld) is now being perceived as unacceptable.
According to the Whale and Dolphin Conservation project, whales born in captivity only live to 4.5 years old on average. Perhaps it is because the whales are forced to breed continuously and at perilously young ages that they experience such reduced lifespans.
Quite simply, because SeaWorld has made previous claims that “no one knows for sure how long killer whales live.” With Granny as a living example – albeit a rare one – of how long orcas might be capable of thriving in the wild, the average whale’s life expectancy of only 20 -30 years in captivity (according to SeaWorld) is now being perceived as unacceptable.
According to the Whale and Dolphin Conservation project, whales born in captivity only live to 4.5 years old on average. Perhaps it is because the whales are forced to breed continuously and at perilously young ages that they experience such reduced lifespans.
Full article: http://www.trueactivist.com/bad-news-seaworld-103-year-old-orca-spotted-thriving-wild/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TrueActivist+%28True+Activist%29
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