Rep. Schiff Responds to SeaWorld Decision to Phase Out Orca Shows in San Diego
Los Angeles – On Monday, November 9, 2015 Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) responded to SeaWorld’s announcement that their San Diego park will phase out killer whale shows:
“The decision by SeaWorld to phase out killer whale shows in San Diego is a welcome step along the path towards ending the captivity of these magnificent creatures,” said Schiff. “Much more needs to be done, however, and I would urge the company to curtail the breeding of their orcas and partner in the creation of ocean sanctuaries. The fact still remains that as long as SeaWorld holds orcas in captivity, the physical and psychological problems associated with their captivity will persist.”
On Friday, Schiff announced that he will introduce the Orca Responsibility and Care Advancement (ORCA) Act. This landmark legislation would phase out the captivity of orcas so that their display ends with this generation. Specifically, it would prohibit the breeding, the “taking” (wild capture), import or export of orcas for the purposes of public display. This legislation will allow for the orderly phasing out of the display of this species, giving orca-holding facilities time to transition to a more humane future.
More information on Rep. Schiff’s proposed legislation can be viewed online here.