Shortly following SeaWorld’s long-awaited announcement on Thursday that it will finally end its absurdly inhumane orca breeding program, the Associated Press interviewed some visitors to the park, who were bummed that “the kids” wouldn’t get to stare at psychologically damaged animals up close anymore.
“I think it’s kind of too bad because a lot of the little kids, kids growing up today, if they stop that program they’re not going to have a chance to see these killer whales, which kids really like, and I think they should keep the program,” said one elderly woman, who didn’t appear to have children with her.
“I think they should leave it, the children will never see something like this again, and I think it’s terrible to take them away, I do,” said another elderly visitor.
“I think it’s important that they be breeded [sic] at the park, just because it promotes study, and how they grow, and what their habits are, which will help everybody in the future,” said a third woman.
Hm, a few quick thoughts: SeaWorld’s killer whale program didn’t “promote study” or teach anyone anything about actual wild orcas, because SeaWorld’s killer whales were a medical anomaly; unable to travel or interact or eat or breed in the way they do in the wild, they developed medical problems, became uncharacteristically aggressive with each other and with trainers, and in some cases developed extreme psychoses.
So, nah. Nature is not for you. Killer whales, among the most intelligent creatures on earth, are not for you. I think the children will be just fine.