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SeaWorld has just released three more animals back into the wild.
Its theme parks may be packed with an ever-increasing number of roller coasters, but marine life remains the key focus at SeaWorld – and not always in a good way.
Credit: SeaWorld
The 2013 documentary Blackfish shed light on the devastating impact captivity has on killer whales, spotlighting a sentiment animal rights activists had been pushing for decades. This eye-opening film fueled a growing movement, with many now demanding that parks release their orcas and end the practice of holding these intelligent creatures in confinement.
Of course, that’s easier said than done. Releasing captive killer whales into the wild poses significant challenges and risks. Many of these animals have spent most, if not all, of their lives in captivity, which severely limits their ability to hunt, navigate, and socialize in the open ocean. Without the skills and knowledge needed to survive in the wild, they face a high likelihood of starvation, disorientation, and difficulty integrating with wild orca pods. Additionally, captive whales may carry diseases or genetic traits that could harm wild populations.
Credit: Pray It No Photography, Flickr
The most popular argument against releasing orcas back into the wild is Keiko. In 2002, the star of the film Free Willy (1993) was released into the wild, where he faced numerous challenges.
Although he was initially adapted to a more natural environment, Keiko struggled with hunting and socializing with wild orca pods, skills he hadn’t fully developed in captivity. Despite being monitored and given support, Keiko’s health declined over time. His attempts to interact with wild orcas were met with mixed responses, and he ultimately lived a solitary life.
In 2003, Keiko died from pneumonia, highlighting the complexities and difficulties involved in transitioning captive orcas to life in the wild. Last year, when Miami Seaquarium announced plans to release its last remaining orca, Lolita (AKA Tokitae), into the wild, many used Keiko as an argument of why doing so to an aging, ailing whale wasn’t a good idea.
Credit: Isabelle Puaut, Flickr
Sadly, Lolita died long before this plan could be implemented. Since then, some activists have called for SeaWorld to follow suit and also release its killer whales—despite this being extremely unlikely, if not impossible.
The park can, however, free the animals it has rehabilitated so that they are prepared to head back into the wild. All three of its U.S. parks operate talented marine life rescue teams. SeaWorld Orlando, SeaWorld San Antonio, and SeaWorld San Diego have all done their part to help local wildlife – including seals and manatees, the latter of which is a venture deeply supported in Florida by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis – thrive, with the San Diego team having rescued over 41,000 sick, injured, or orphaned animals over the years.
SeaWorld Releases More Animals Into the Wild
Related: Florida Theme Park Puts Down Animal Before It Can Be Confiscated by the Government
This week, SeaWorld Rescue has released three more animals back into the wild in Southern California. According to KBPS, three sea lions that had previously been found near death were nursed back to health by the San Diego park’s team and were evaluated for their ability to swim and hunt before being returned to the open ocean in Mission Bay.
“Today was an exciting day,” Jeni Smith, curator of the SeaWorld San Diego Rescue Project, told KBPS. “We returned two Guadalupe Fur Seals and one adult California sea lion.”
Credit: mliu92 via Wikimedia Commons
Despite being nicknamed “seals,” Guadalupe Fur Seals are actually sea lions. Smith added that they were once hunted nearly to extinction for their fur until scientists found a breeding pair off the Guadalupe Islands. “And now there are about 31,000 of them,” she added.
The duo reportedly hesitated at first before pushing ahead and exploring the new waters around them. Meanwhile, the California sea lion found it tougher to adjust to the wild, initially circling the boat and jumping in what looked like an attempt to get back in.
Credit: SeaWorld
Related: UPDATE – Government Prepares To Confiscate Animals From Controversial Florida Theme Park
This isn’t SeaWorld San Diego’s last big release. According to KBPS, the park will soon also release an elephant seal and some sea turtles.
Rescue efforts aside, SeaWorld San Diego hasn’t had the smoothest year. In September 2023, the city of San Diego sued the park for allegedly failing to pay over $12.2 million in rent, late fees, and interest during the height of the pandemic. Earlier this summer, the park was criticized for its nightly summer fireworks, which have been linked to an increase in bird deaths in the area.
Do you think SeaWorld’s rescue efforts deserve more attention from the theme park’s naysayers?
