When SeaWorld announced the “Blue World Project” – doubling the size of killer whale habitats at all three parks, a vast majority of the world was excited to see a pioneer in animal care raising the bar once again.
Naturally, the infamous and largely discredited “Animal Rights” group PETA has been out in full force opposing this ground breaking plan.
Despite PETA’s lack of credibility, the news media loves controversy. Headlines began popping up with journalists eager to share PETA’s “side.”
When SeaWorld announced that they would hold a public hearing with the City of San Diego to show their plans for the “Blue World Project”, PETA’s supporters put out a bulletin for protesters to denounce the plan.
With news coverage by San Diego and national media outlets, you would think that hundreds – if not thousands – would flock to the protest.
There were 12 people.
Twelve people got in their cars and drove down to this meeting. Twelve people.
Those 12 protestors proudly held signs with the “PETA” branding.
For context, the stadiums at SeaWorld San Diego were at capacity in the New Year. Shamu Stadium, Whale & Dolphin Stadium, Sea Lion and Otter Stadium and Pet’s Rule all have a combined seating capacity of 13,800 seats – all of which were filled.
During the Christmas Holiday week, SeaWorld San Diego saw crowds of over 20,000 people each day, enjoying and supporting the park. In 2013, 4,300,000 people visited the iconic park.
The question journalists should be asking is “Why should SeaWorld, or anyone, listen to PETA?”
PETA has killed over 33,000 animals.
PETA employees recently snuck onto a families’ porch, stole their dog, killed it and a day later came back with a fruit basket apologizing for killing the family’s dog.
PETA openly supports the domestic terrorist group the Earth Liberation Front.
PETA’s sent a veterinarian with only six months of experience to “audit” SeaWorld which resulted in complaints so inaccurate it was embarrassing.
Here’s why SeaWorld should not listen to PETA’s plans:
SeaWorld for the past 50 years has been one of the world’s most respected and trusted zoological organizations. With over 1,500 zoological employees at it’s marine parks, SeaWorld’s brain trust of animal welfare knowledge dwarfs any other organization in the world.
For the past 50 years, SeaWorld has been working with whales, dolphins, sea lions, seals, walruses, bears, octopuses, cats, dogs, sharks, penguins, fish, frogs, seahorses, otters, turtles, birds and any other that animal is lucky enough to call SeaWorld home.
SeaWorld has actual experience rescuing, saving, rehabilitating and returning the the wild animals. SeaWorld has RESCUED over 24,000 animals, with the goal of returning them to the wild.
These parks are actively engaged in improving the care of the animals. The expansion of killer whale habitats at all three SeaWorld parks has been complimented by additional refurbishments, improvements, and changes to other animal habitats.
PETA does not have public support.
When you objectively look at the “issue” media outlets have been trying to force feed the general public, you learn that people love and support SeaWorld in San Diego.
The vocal minority does not appreciate SeaWorld and what it has contributed to the world over the past 50 years.
Those people are just that, a vocal minority. They hold printed PETA signs and throw rocks at rescue workers to support an organization that murders adoptable cats and dogs.
Why would anyone listen to PETA?