SeaWorld to Expand Orca Environments After 'Blackfish' Backlash

SeaWorld San Diego plans to double the size of its orca environment, and fund additional research on the animals along with programs to protect ocean health and whales in the wild, officials announced Friday.

Prompted by the "Blackfish" documentary and controversy surrounding its treatment of killer whales, SeaWorld says it will build a tank with 10 million gallons of water at its San Diego park - almost twice the size of the current tank. The new environment, which will be open to the public in 2018, will be more stimulating for the whales, according to officials.

Called the Blue World Project, the new pool will be 1.5 acres at 50 feet deep and 350 feet in length.

"Through up-close and personal encounters, the new environment will transform how visitors experience killer whales," Jim Atchison, chief executive officer and president of SeaWorld Entertainment Inc., said, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The company's goal, they say, is to maximize the "health and well-being" of SeaWorld's 10 orcas. Despite the new plans, some were not impressed.

"This is a desperate drop-in-the-bucket move to try to turn back the clock at a time when people understand the suffering of captive orcas, and it will not save the company," said Jared Goodman of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. "A bigger prison is still a prison."

The group has called for the orcas to be put in large-scale ocean sanctuaries.

SeaWorld is also contributing an extra $10 million to be put towards NOAA-sponsored research on wild orcas, studying their hearing, reproduction and nutrition.

The announcement follows a week of backlash sparked by the documentary "Blackfish," which condemned the parks' treatment of orcas. On Wednesday, shares of SeaWorld Entertainment Inc. dropped 33 percent.

Despite all the controversy, most people welcome the change to SeaWorld's orca environments. City Council President Todd Gloria said he is "grateful to SeaWorld for the investment in these new facilities. The changes they're announcing today will enhance the experience for the animals, workers, and visitors of the park."

According to The Associated Press, SeaWorld has similar plans for its Orlando and San Antonio locations.