I don't often write about current events or issues as emotionally charged as the Sea World controversy. But as I and many others from across the globe have enjoyed countless hours of seemingly healthy, innocent entertainment thanks to the existence of this beautiful park, and as it would appear Shamu and all he represents will soon become a thing of the past, I believe some reflection and perspective is due.
Yes, I saw the now famous or infamous "Blackfish" movie and indeed it was difficult to watch. I like probably anyone who saw it, was moved by the images of abuse, suffering, injury and death depicted in the film. And as the Sea World corporation has done little to refute the claims, one would have to assume that they are largely true.
As unfortunate as that is, let's put that in the perspective of the entire zoological industry, that generates most or all of it's revenue through the captivity and display of animals.
Should we be any less moved by a large predatory cat like a lion or tiger that spends it's life behind the bars of an enclosure? Even in the case of the San Diego Zoo, which is one of the most visited and modern zoos in the world, large predators are confined to enclosures a fraction of the size that Nature intended for them to roam. They pace back and forth, frittering away their rare and precious lives for the sole purpose of providing entertainment to humans.
The same can be said for elephants, rhino, hippos, monkeys and apes, zebra, giraffe and the list goes on. So why the duplicity? We humans seem to have an affinity for large black and white animals. Our sentiments about Orcas is not too different from the warm and fuzzy feelings we have for Pandas. In fact, I would bet that more pandas and orcas have been sold as cuddle toys than "Teddy" bears, by a long shot. So it would stand to reason, when the world learns that either are being mistreated, the response would be astounding. But why not the same repudiation for what is likely far worse treatment of other. "less cute" animals around the world? The answer would seem self evident.
On the other hand, the Orcas in captivity at Sea World are well fed, monitored and cared for constantly by a team of aquatic specialists. And perhaps most importantly, loved and touched constantly by their trainers. The sheer awe that has inspired countless youth and families over the generations has done much to bring awareness to the plight of our oceans and the majesty of marine mammals in particular.
I have been a lover of Nature and animals from the time I was a small child. I watched hundreds of Nature programs and learned so much about the Natural world, that I became a docent at a Safari Park in Northern California, interpreting the characteristics and behavior of a wide variety of creatures for thousands of visitors. Therefore, when I visited Sea World, I pretty much thought I knew all there was to know about Orcas. How wrong I was!
We arrived late and I was disappointed that we were relegated to the "nosebleed" seats, (the top bleachers). Luckily, I had some small binoculars and was able to see most of what transpired in azure blue pool down below. The trainer began by explaining how Orcas communicate, how they care for their young, how intelligent they are and how their social behaviors are not so different from humans. I was transfixed.
But when the show began, I was in for the biggest surprise of all. The trainer instructed Shamu to spray us with water. I imagined that only the first few rows would receive any measurable moisture. But when that tail let loose, a column of water so immense careened from the pool, that it drenched everyone in it's path, all the way up to the top bleachers. I didn't know water could even be propelled that far.
What an experience!
Now however, the days of Orca ambassadors, inspiring adults and children alike are numbered. Your children and grandchildren will only see YouTube videos of these encounters. They won't feel the spray of an Orca tail in their face. They won't be able to witness the beautiful interactions that are possible between humans and these leviathans of the sea. In fact, they will never understand how a theme park could be built around the reverence for one magical creature and the profundity of that concept.
In this era of computer games that relegate suffering and death to a key stroke, have we limited even farther the opportunities for our youth to experience healthy, educational fun that inspires respect for life rather than indifference to it?
Yes, in our diligent efforts to "do the right thing", we have sounded the death nell of one of our great institutions. Sea World is admittedly not perfect and it is indeed important to put pressure on our organizations to do better. But when we look back on those halcyon days, sharing that magical moment of sheer disbelief at the power and majesty of Orcas in our midst, will we wonder if we went too far?
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