Lolah Slagg

The next few months are considered a “sweet spot” for those planning their upcoming summer vacations. It’s not too far in advance for flexibility with dates, but it’s also far enough to secure great bookings and reservations. Many begin planning trips to serene national parks, calming beaches, or even exciting theme parks like Disney World, where the focus is on family-friendly fun and relaxation. However, one popular destination that is not worth considering is SeaWorld, a theme park that’s come under increasing scrutiny in recent years for its abusive treatment of its marine animals.

While it may seem like an exciting option for families, it’s important to recognize the ethical concerns surrounding its practices and consider alternatives that prioritize both entertainment and the well-being of animals. Their practices not only showcase their prioritization of entertainment over general wellbeing, but also consistently jeopardize the physical and mental health of the animals in numerous, inhumane ways.

 SeaWorld’s unethical practices are most evident in its confinement of orcas and other marine mammals in small, artificial enclosures. In the wild, these animals can swim vast distances—up to 100 miles per day—but at SeaWorld, they are confined to tanks that are far smaller than their natural habitats. This confinement leads to physical health issues such as dorsal fin collapse and muscle deterioration, which are rarely seen in the wild. 

Additionally, these animals are deprived of the ability to engage in natural behaviors like hunting and socializing, which impacts their quality of life immensely. Despite being marketed as an educational experience, the conditions at SeaWorld clearly show how entertainment often comes at the expense of animal welfare.

The mental health of these animals is also severely compromised. Orcas, in particular, are highly intelligent and social creatures that form close familial bonds. In captivity, these bonds are disrupted, and isolation or forced proximity with unfamiliar animals leads to anxiety, depression, and abnormal behaviors. 

Captive orcas often exhibit repetitive actions like pacing or gnawing on tank walls. These are signs of extreme distress. This psychological strain has even resulted in aggression, as seen in incidents where orcas have attacked trainers or fellow marine mammals. The separation of mothers and calves, common in SeaWorld’s breeding programs, further deepens this emotional trauma and demonstrates the park’s prioritization of profit over the animals’ well-being.

SeaWorld’s breeding programs have raised concerns about the long-term health of marine mammals in captivity. In fact, inbreeding and a lack of genetic diversity have led to health problems such as deformities and tooth decay in orcas, another thing rarely seen in wild Orcas.

Captive orcas also suffer from significantly shorter life spans compared to their wild counterparts. While wild orcas typically live between 30 and 60 years, depending on gender, those in captivity rarely live beyond 25. It is an unfortunate reality, but nonetheless, it is not surprising given the practices at SeaWorld. Even though the theme park has shifted its messaging toward conservation, its breeding programs perpetuate suffering rather than contribute to any meaningful conservation effort. 

This reality turns what could be an enjoyable experience into a reminder that entertainment should never come at the cost of the well-being of an animal, whose innocence and natural dignity deserve respect and protection.

Instead of visiting SeaWorld, consider alternative destinations like the San Juan Islands in Washington, Blue Spring State Park in Florida, or the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. These places offer similar experiences but prioritize the well-being of marine life in a more respectful and ethical way. For a deeper understanding of the issues surrounding SeaWorld, the documentary Blackfish, directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite, is an eye-opening and informative watch.

At the end of the day, while SeaWorld may seem like an attractive family destination, its ethical issues cannot be ignored. The treatment of animals at the park essentially condemns them to life sentences for the “crime” of not being born human, forced to live in cramped, artificial environments, and stripped of their natural behaviors.