Seaworld: Do They Keep Animals In Captivity

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SeaWorld. A place of fun and wonder. But what else do they do? They keep animals in captivity. Many places like zoos and aquariums keep animals in captivity. This causes a great conflict amongst many people and companies that keep the animals in captivity. Organizations and companies like SeaWorld, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the Humane Society of the United States of America (HSUS), the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS), and many zoos around the world all have different views on this topic. SeaWorld keeps marine animals in captivity for good reasons. SeaWorld keeps marine animals in captivity for good and meaningful purposes. The animals owned by the company have extensive research done on them to collect …show more content…

In many places there are animals being held in captivity that are abused or even sometimes killed. SeaWorld included. The annual mortality rate of Orcas is 2.5 times higher in captivity than in the wild. Also, 92% of SeaWorld’s Orcas have not lived past the age of 25. The average lifespan of an Orca in the wild is 30 years for males and 50 years for females. Some can even live up to 80-90 years old (WDC). Not only are these animals abused but the animals in captivity suffer from increased psychological and physical stress. Animals aren't free to pursue their natural lifestyles. Sometimes this affects animals so greatly that there have been cases where animals have killed or attacked their trainers (Issitt). In Sea World, a killer whale named Tilikum killed two of his trainers. Wild animals aren’t meant to live a life in captivity. On the other hand, animals kept in captivity not only have research done about them but it can also have a positive effect on their population. Being kept in captivity helps conserve the populations of endangered species. In a captive environment they are kept safe and away from harm. They can breed in captivity and keep the population growing. SeaWorld has bred many Orca Whales in captivity and hasn’t taken any out of the ocean in 35 years (Raja). In conclusion, keeping animals in captivity has negative effects such as animal abuse and psychological stress or aggressiveness. But, there are benefits such as research and conserving endangered species. SeaWorld is trying to do the positive aspects and you should support them

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