SeaWorld Ends Theatrical Orca Show [VIDEO]

SeaWorld recently announced plans to phase out their iconic killer whale show by 2017 at the San Diego theme park. Instead, the theatrical performance will be replaced with a new and more natural orca experience, the company said. This decision follows a $100 million grant the park received to expand their orca tanks. Upon approval for their expansion project, the park was prohibited from breeding orcas in the future. SeaWorld hopes the decision to phase out their iconic Shamu show will rebuild their brand and increase the park's attendance.

"We're not limited to any one animal, to any one show, to any one attraction," Joel Manby, SeaWorld's chief executive, said as he announced the company's new plans. "We are listening to our guests; we're evolving as a company; we're always changing." (Scroll to read more...)

2016 will be the last year for the theatrical killer whale performance and SeaWorld's San Diego park. By 2017 the theme park plans to launch an all-new orca experience that focuses more on the "natural" behaviors of whales and conservation.

To do this SeaWorld plans to re-allocate a portion of the $100 million designated for their tank expansion, known as the Blue World Project. Manby explained the company's decision to end their Shamu show in California -- where killer whales dive, jump and splash quests following the instruction of their trainers -- is a direct response to consumer interests.

"People love companies that have a purpose, even for-profit companies," Manby said, according to The Guardian. "Just look at WholeFoods... I don't see any reason why SeaWorld can't be one of those brands."

Since the release of a 2013 documentary titled "Blackfish," SeaWorld has received a lot of criticism regarding captive breeding of killer whales. Essentially, the documentary focused on the death of a whale trainer who was dragged into the water and drowned by a bull whale. This has left a lasting impression on the public, suggesting that captive breeding ultimately causes violent or aggressive behavior in wild animals.

"The decision by SeaWorld to phase out killer whale shows in San Diego is a welcome step along the path towards ending the captivity of these magnificent creatures," Congressman Adam Schiff said in response to SeaWorld's announcement. "Much more needs to be done, however, and I would urge the company to curtail the breeding of their orcas and partner in the creation of ocean sanctuaries. The fact still remains that as long as SeaWorld holds orcas in captivity, the physical and psychological problems associated with their captivity will persist."

As of now the killer whale performances are expected to continue at SeaWorld's other parks in San Antonio, Texas, and Orlando, Florida.

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