San Diego - SeaWorld said on Monday it plans to replace its famed Shamu killer whale show in San Diego with an exhibit focused on “conservation”, after grappling with sagging attendance and years of criticism over it treatment of the marine mammals.
The move, announced during a company presentation to investors, followed a vote by California regulators last month barring SeaWorld San Diego from continuing to breed the killer whales, or orcas, if it proceeds with plans to expand their artificial habitat.
SeaWorld Entertainment Chief Executive Officer Joel Manby said 2016 would be the last year of the park's “current orca experience”, which features the black-and-white marine predators performing various tricks at the direction of trainers.
A highlight of those shows has been leaping orca unleashing an enormous splash into the front rows of spectators seated in the park's outdoor Shamu Stadium arena.
“In 2017 we're going to launch an all-new orca experience with a conservation theme in a more natural setting,” Manby said, adding that plans were based on SeaWorld guests surveys.
“They want the San Diego whale experience to be what the animal would do in the wild,” he said in response to questions. “They jump in the wild, they splash in the wild.”
He did not elaborate, saying only that there would be fewer theatrics. But a company press release said the attraction would focus on the animal's natural behaviours. “The show will include conservation messaging and tips guests can take home to make a difference for orcas in the wild,” it said.
Neither the press release nor Manby mentioned the future of orca attractions at the company's two other US aquatic theme parks, in Orlando, Florida, and San Antonio, Texas.
Investors calling into the company's presentation did not ask about the possible financial implications of the change. But the announcement came on the heels of lacklustre third-quarter earnings at SeaWorld, and its shares closed down $0.23, or 1.26 percent on the New York Stock Exchange at $17.91.
The ‘Blackfish’ effect
SeaWorld has faced heated criticism and declining revenues since the release of the 2013 documentary film Blackfish, which depicted the captivity and public exhibition of killer whales as inherently cruel.
The film, which SeaWorld has criticised as inaccurate and misleading, also explored the circumstances leading to the 2010 death of a top SeaWorld trainer, who was pulled underwater and drowned by an orca she had performed with in Florida.
Trainers have not been allowed back into the water with killer whales during SeaWorld performances since that incident.
The company has sought to counter negative publicity surrounding Blackfish with a public relations blitz aimed at drawing attention to SeaWorld's role in marine mammal research and its rescue and rehabilitation of animals in the wild.
A plan by the San Diego park to enlarge its 7-million-gallon orca pool complex as part of a $100 million “Blue World” expansion drew opposition from animal rights groups and their supporters, who wanted to see the park's collection of 11 killer whales released into coastal sanctuaries instead.
“An end to SeaWorld's tawdry and circus-style performance is inevitable, but it's actually captivity that denies these far-ranging orca the opportunity to engage in behaviours that are natural and important to them,” said Ben Williamson, director of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).
Manby denied that the company was bowing to pressure from activists, saying: “Frankly, the activists will never be happy.”
Last month's decision by the California Coastal Commission was likely a more decisive factor. The agency voted unanimously in October to permit SeaWorld San Diego to expand its orca habitat, but only on condition that the park to cease its captive-breeding programme for the whales. The transfer for sale of new whales to the park also would be banned.
Those restrictions were seen as ultimately sealing the fate of the traditional orca shows, named for Shamu, the original killer whale star of SeaWorld's performances, in the 1960s and early 1970s. The company said last month it would challenge the commission's ruling.
REUTERS