Shamu showdown: SeaWorld appreciates whales, promotes wildlife conservation
Editor's note: Proposed legislation to end captive breeding and ban orca shows at SeaWorld could change the way the popular San Diego park does business. Supporters of the ban say the creatures are too large and intelligent to be confined to small spaces. Opponents of the bill say the animals are well cared for and are part of conservation research and education projects. A SeaWorld representative responds to the legislation below. The author of the measure shares his view here.
I have dedicated nearly 40 years of my life to caring for and training killer whales. It is my passion. It is that long experience with these remarkable animals that explains my strong opposition to the legislation proposed by Assemblyman Richard Bloom, a measure that would severely restrict how we care for and display our killer whales. This opposition is shared by my colleagues throughout the zoological community. Bloom’s proposal reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of the long history of killer whale display at SeaWorld parks, and the sophistication of husbandry, veterinary care, enrichment and training that marks our killer whale program.
The killer whales living at SeaWorld San Diego, as well as those living at our sister parks in Florida and Texas, are given the highest care. These animals are in excellent condition and well adapted to their living environments.
What this legislation actually represents is an attempt by animal rights groups like PETA to advance their agenda. Sharing the stage with Bloom during his recent press conference were several animal-rights activists, including one who was a participant in PETA’s recent lawsuit that sought to have killer whales defined as slaves under the 13th Amendment.
We know, and research supports, that firsthand experience with animals is the finest way possible to create a lasting appreciation and respect for animals. People care most about what they know and understand, and because of marine parks, aquariums and zoos, people’s lives are enhanced in ways that otherwise could not happen — ask anyone who has visited these special places.
We remain committed to giving the public the opportunity to experience some of the world’s most amazing animals up close and in a safe environment. Connecting people to animals is a powerful, proven way to promote wildlife conservation. But with that comes the obligation to provide these animals, who are ambassadors for their species, the best care possible.
This legislation would actually be detrimental to the welfare of animals that thrive on the relationships created with their human trainers and caregivers. The interactions they have with these animals are critically important to their enrichment.
Trainers and other zoological professionals have a daily schedule of enrichment and training activities for all the animals in their care. Because training programs and relationships are built solely on positive reinforcement, the animals willingly participate in these sessions. Even the animals’ participation in shows or interactions is a positive experience. These enrichment programs are also essential to their husbandry, ensuring the animals receive proper health care. Not only are visitors to marine parks, aquariums and zoos inspired by the animals they see, these same animals are also integral components of the educational programs at each park or aquarium. Every year, millions of school children, teachers and guests participate in educational field trips, camps, behind-the-scenes tours, and unique animal interaction programs — each coming away with experiences and information that gives them a greater empathy and admiration for animals.
Behind the scenes, countless conservation research projects are conducted with animals in marine parks, aquariums and zoos — research that cannot easily be done in the wild, if at all. Because researchers have had access to these animals in safe, controlled and enriching environments, the academic and scientific communities have been able to gain vast amounts of knowledge. This extremely valuable information also benefits animals in the wild.
We should also not ignore the potential long-term economic repercussions of such legislation to our community. There are few regions targeted more by the animal rights agenda than here in San Diego. The significance of SeaWorld, the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park should never be under estimated. These world-renowned iconic symbols of our city, which attract more than 9 million visitors annually, employ nearly 10,000 San Diegans and account for more than $1 billion in economic impact. As Mayor Kevin Faulconer said, “This bill will only serve to hurt San Diego jobs.”
But this is not just about economics. What matters most is the welfare of the animals. Those of us who dedicate our lives to caring for these animals oppose this legislation. And for good reason. It would only stand in the way of fulfilling our commitment to providing for the health and well-being of the animals in our care, and our ability to share them with the world.
Scarpuzzi, who has been caring for and training killer whales for nearly 40 years, is the vice president of zoological operations at SeaWorld San Diego.