"Abusement parks" harm marine mammals.

PositionAnimal Captivity - In Defense of Animals - Brief article

The tragic death of a trainer at SeaWorld in Orlando, Fla., reinforces the argument that orcas (killer whales) and other dolphins should not be held in captivity. All amusement parks that do so are cruel, exploitative, and dangerous to the marine mammals and the people who come in direct contact with them, charges In Defense of Animals, San Rafael, Calif.

IDA urges SeaWorld immediately to stop: capturing marine mammals for any purpose other than rescue and rehabilitation; breeding marine mammals in captivity; and the demeaning circus-style shows. "Orcas should not be forced to endure a lifetime of captivity, and it is irresponsible for SeaWorld to breed more animals to lead such a life," contends Elliot Katz, president of IDA. "This would be like raising a human child in a bathtub for his entire life."

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Captive orcas must swim in circles or float lisflessly on the surface of the water. "These conditions must logically promote boredom and psychological stress," admonishes Katz. Wild orcas rarely lie still or swim in circles. Orcas use echolocation (sonar) to communicate...

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