In 1988 my parents brought my brother and I to the now long gone Sea World of Ohio. While the memories of that trip have become vague over the years, one of the few things I remember was how insanely hot it was (I recall my parents saying that they spent a fortune on drinks that day), also there was a huge tank with porpoises in it that you could actually reach in and touch as they swam by, and of course there was the Shamu Show. The thing that stands out the most was just how fascinated I was when we left there. I couldn't wait to go back and see it all again. Unfortunately that never happened or should I say fortunately. Sea World of Ohio closed it's doors in 2000 and up until 2 months ago I was disappointed that it did.
I was streaming Netflix one night when I came across a documentary called Blackfish which I had heard quite a bit about. Seeing as it was about Killer Whales, it peaked my interest. I'll watch anything that has to do with our ocean dwelling mammal friends. What I watched was not just some whale special but something that in a way, changed me. My love for Sea World is gone and in it's place is pure hatred. Hatred for their lies that they told and continue to tell the public, for their unethical treatment of these amazing animals, and for how they continue to conduct themselves even with all of the backlash they have received thanks to Blackfish. It would take me forever to go into what this documentary is all about. Obviously it doesn't paint Sea World in a good light. I encourage anyone who has not yet seen Blackfish yet, to do so. Or at least do some Google research as to what this amazing documentary is all about. Perhaps it will have the same effect on you as it had on me. Perhaps it won't. It has definitely brought out my inner hippie.
Orcas (Killer Whales) belong in the wide open ocean and not held in a small tank only being fed to perform. The same argument could be had for dolphins as well. A Lawmaker in California recently proposed a ban on orcas in captivity. It's definitely a step in the right direction to having these amazing creatures released back into their natural habitat where they belong. All that care can play a part in helping. below is a link to a site that has a petition to sign to the state of California to help further these efforts.
http://action.sumofus.org/a/seaworld-orcas-captivity-california-ban-blackfish/
Thank you for reading and for hopefully signing. Now go watch Blackfish.
