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Scientists bemoan SeaWorld decision to stop breeding orcas
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In this March 7, 2011, file photo, killer whale Tilikum, right, watches as SeaWorld Orlando trainers take a break during a training session at the theme park's Shamu Stadium in Orlando, Fla. SeaWorld is ending its practice of killer whale breeding following years of controversy over keeping orcas in captivity. The company announced on March 17, that the breeding program will end immediately. (Associated Press/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
W
hile SeaWorld's decision to end its orca breeding program has delighted animal rights activists, it has disappointed many marine scientists.
They say they will gradually lose vital opportunities to learn things that could help killer whales in the wild.
SeaWorld's 29 captive orcas in Orlando, San Diego and San Antonio will remain on display for perhaps decades to come and will be available in the meantime for study by outside scientists.
But as their numbers dwindle, researchers will lose chances to collect health data and make other observations, such as drawing blood, measuring the whales' heart rates and lung capacity, and documenting their diets and their growth. (ags)
