feeling conflicted about sea world...

Re: feeling conflicted about sea world...

• LSU628 member

  December 2013

  We have gone to Sea World, but after watching Blackfish there's no way I would go back. The outright lies by Sea World's staff, watching the emotional impact the whales go through, the way their bodies have a physical reaction to living in captivity- it was just too much for me. I realize it's really no different than the zoo, but at least the zoo animals aren't being forced to perform. It really doesn't make any sense, but Sea World just seemed way worse for some reason.
  

  
  
  
  

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• groovygrl member

  December 2013 edited December 2013

  Just to play devil's advocate, some zoos & also aquariums have animal performances/shows, like dolphins, etc....
  This is why I really have trouble differentiating b/w them all. I didn't see the documentary and am also not sure if the things documented are pervasive at all sea world facilities and with all people who work there and if anything will/has changed as a result? (I did notice an ad during the Macy's parade and had to wonder if their attendance is way down).
  I'm just sad b/c DS loves orcas and we thought he'd love going to sea world and then I found out about all this stuff and don't want to support an organization that mistreats the animals & is not ultimately about helping them & learning about them Ugh.
  

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• Littlejen22 member

  December 2013

  I have an issue with all of them but honestly have gone anyway. I don't go back to Sea World because it is a boring waste of money if you ask me and we bought a zoo membership because it was cheaper than going twice but we are not zoo people. I basically sold out to let my kids have the experience, however near me there is a small rescue zoo run by the Humane Society which is small and not very exciting but awesome.

  Jen - Mom to two December 12 babies Nathaniel 12/12/06 and Addison 12/12/08

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• groovygrl member

  December 2013

  cmeon_the_water said:

  We're local to the Orlando park. I haven't (and won't) see Blackfish, but, I definitely am not under an illusion that SeaWorld is as altruistic as the better zoos. They have done some absolutely amazing work with manatees, though, so even if they are awful evil and horrible otherwise- they have a soft spot in my heart for that.
  
  SW Orlando is having a record year, btw, you don't have to feel bad for them.
  

  So do you go there?
  

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• June2007 member

  December 2013

  I grew up near Orlando and still live in the area, we have been so many times. After watching 'Black Fish' I can't stomach going there ever again. It's disgusting, not only their disregard for the orcas in their care but for their employees/trainers that they knowingly withhold important information from with deadly results- repeatedly! My 5.5 year old watched it with me and cried as the baby orcas were stolen from their mothers. She wants to go set them all free now and thinks that those bad people should be in jail. I love her compassion but this is no surprise as we are bleeding heart vegetarians too.

  My 2 girls, both born on a Friday the 13th, are exactly 2 years, 2 months, 2 hours and 2 minutes apart! And Baby Boy joined us October 11, 2013!
  

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• groovygrl member

  December 2013

  We made the decision not to go, mainly b/c of the hunting info we read about, but now SW is insisting they haven't captured from the wild in 35 years. I'm so confused about all of it . MH was SO excited about going and finally said no after reading about the hunting/capturing and now I'm not clear if it is accurate.
  

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