US bill would end SeaWorld orca shows

If a bill before the California Assembly is passed, SeaWorld San Diego would have to end its killer whale shows.

A SeaWorld Orca show

Proposed laws in the US mean SeaWorld San Diego would have to end its killer whale shows. (AAP)

SeaWorld San Diego would have to end its killer whale shows and remove 10 orcas from their tanks under a bill inspired by a documentary blasting the marine park's animal welfare practices.

The California Assembly is holding its first hearing on the bill on Tuesday morning, with the bill's backers saying killer whales are too large and intelligent for captivity.

SeaWorld says the animals are well treated and help conservation through research.

The 2013 film "Blackfish" blames attacks and deaths of SeaWorld trainers on the mistreatment of the animals, increasing their aggression.

SeaWorld calls the film anti-captivity propaganda.

The bill by Democratic Assemblyman Richard Bloom also bans the import and export of orcas. Under his measure, SeaWorld could keep the animals it has in a larger sea pen until they die.


Share
Published 8 April 2014 2:59pm
Updated 8 April 2014 4:40pm
Source: AAP

Tags

Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world