SeaWorld has spent years trying to move past its most infamous controversies. After the release of Blackfish in 2013, the company faced intense scrutiny over its treatment of orcas, leading to protests, celebrity condemnations, and a decline in attendance.
Changes followed—SeaWorld ended its orca breeding program, toned down its whale shows, and pivoted toward thrill rides. But the criticism never truly disappeared. Now, the recent death of a longtime dolphin resident is bringing fresh outrage.
Death of Notchfin Sparks Outcry
On March 12, SeaWorld San Antonio announced the passing of Notchfin, a 63-year-old bottlenose dolphin and one of the park’s original residents.
While SeaWorld praised her longevity and legacy, animal rights activists saw something different: another example of a marine mammal spending decades in captivity instead of the open ocean. PETA quickly condemned the park, reigniting the debate over whether SeaWorld should still house dolphins and whales at all.
SeaWorld described Notchfin as a “founding member” of its dolphin community, having survived far beyond the typical lifespan of captive dolphins, which averages around 28 years. The park’s statement painted a picture of a beloved animal who played a crucial role in their research and conservation efforts.
“Her long life was a testament to the expert care she received at SeaWorld and the deep bonds she formed with those around her,” the company wrote. “A founding member of SeaWorld San Antonio since its opening in 1988, Notchfin shaped the social fabric of our dolphin community as a mother, grandmother, and great-great-grandmother.”
Despite the tribute, criticism was swift.
PETA took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to condemn Notchfin’s decades in captivity, calling her life in SeaWorld’s care a tragedy. “Notchfin should’ve been swimming free in her ocean home, NOT wasting away for 50 YEARS in SeaWorld’s shallow pools. Shame on you, @SeaWorldTexas, for imprisoning majestic animals!”
Rest easy, Notchfin 😢🫶
Notchfin should've been swimming free in her ocean home, NOT wasting away for 50 YEARS in SeaWorld’s shallow pools 😔
Shame on you, @SeaWorldTexas, for imprisoning majestic animals!
Rest easy, Notchfin 😢🫶
Notchfin should've been swimming free in her ocean home, NOT wasting away for 50 YEARS in SeaWorld’s shallow pools 😔
Shame on you, @SeaWorldTexas, for imprisoning majestic animals! pic.twitter.com/tp0V4ujMY6
— PETA (@peta) March 18, 2025
PETA’s Longstanding Fight Against SeaWorld
This is far from the first time PETA has gone after SeaWorld. The organization has repeatedly called for the company to end its breeding programs and move its marine mammals to ocean sanctuaries.
Earlier this year, SeaWorld San Antonio revealed that a newborn Pacific white-sided dolphin had died despite around-the-clock care. PETA executive vice president Tracy Reiman condemned the park, stating that “SeaWorld has added one more extinguished life to its tally of more than 500 dolphins and whales who have died, many prematurely.”
Similar criticism followed the 2022 death of Helen, a 33-year-old disabled dolphin who had been transferred to SeaWorld from Vancouver Aquarium.
Should dolphins and whales still live in theme parks, or is it time for something different?
