SAN DIEGO, Nov. 9 (UPI) — Seaworld is set to start phasing out its signature killer whale shows at their San Diego park amid the location’s declining attendance and public outcry over the treatment of its orcas.
As reported by the San Diego Union-Tribune, the company made the announcement Monday as part of a comprehensive strategy to improve the theme park’s battered image and falling ticket sales.
In an effort to make its orca exhibits more appealing, Seaworld announced in August a $100 million Blue World tank expansion project to double the space available for the 11 orcas present at the San Diego.
In a company document posted in advance of SeaWorld’s webcast about its future, the expansion was described as a new orca experience that is “informative,” and would carry a “conservation message inspiring people to act.”
The California Coastal Commission approved Seaworld’s expansion in October but said they cannot breed any of its 11 orcas, which would effectively end any future orca attractions. Seaworld plans to fight the decision, calling the commission’s ruling “overreaching.” On Friday, Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif. proposed federal legislation that would prohibit the breeding of captive orcas, end the capture of wild orcas and stop the import and export of the killer whales.
As of now, no plans have been announced for the company’s Orlando and San Antonio locations. SeaWorld has come under intense scrutiny since the release of the 2013 documentary, Blackfish which demonstrated the harsh conditions orcas live in under the park.
