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In encouraging news, California Gov. Jerry Brown signed legislation yesterday that will outlaw orca captivity and breeding programs like the one formerly run by SeaWorld theme parks.
Sea World announced it would stop breeding orcas in March. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)
Thanks to pressure from campaigners, and from the raised awareness of these magnificent creatures plight thanks to 2013 documentary “Blackfish”, California parks will also be banned from featuring the marine mammals, known as killer whales, in performances for entertainment purposes. Starting in June next year, orcas in captivity can be used for “educational presentations” only.
The law, authored by Assemblyman Richard Bloom (D-Santa Monica), makes exceptions for scientific and educational institutions holding orcas for research or rehabilitation.
Very pleased to announce that my law protecting #orca from captive breeding in California was signed by @JerryBrownGov today
— Richard Bloom (@RichardBloom) September 13, 2016
SeaWorld San Diego, the park featured in the documentary “Blackfish,” announced in March that it would stop breeding orcas and end theatrical shows.
This story first appeared on the LA Times website.
