OPINION - You Should Boycott Seaworld, by Rowan Sanderka

 Please enjoy this opinion article from DMHS's "Introduction to Journalism" class!

Seaworld has been charged with many animal cruelty charges but are these claims true?

Seaworld claims, “Our care team consists of hundreds of professional animal behaviorists, aquarists, zoologists, veterinarians, and dieticians. What we have learned from caring for such a diverse set of animals over nearly 60 years is what informs the success of our mission, including rescue, rehabilitation, and return.” 

If what Sea World claims is true then why have so many complaints been filed against them? PETA claims, “SeaWorld often keeps dolphins, whales, and other animals trapped with incompatible tankmates. The tension leads to fights and even fatal injuries. Staff members drug some animals to try to relieve their endless frustration.”

A video uploaded in August of 2022 showed an orca being attacked by one of its tankmates; in an attempt to flee the situation the orca was trying to beach itself. Many parents said that the scene frightened their children. Many people also reported seeing the water fill with blood. Since Seaworld claims to treat their animals with the best of care, evidence of neglect has been ignored. Despite most of it being ignored, action against Seaworld has risen. Many people have chosen to boycott Seaworld as an establishment. 

Although Seaworld claims to rescue animals, many of their marine mammals in their parks have been taken from their natural habitats without any signs of needing medical treatment. Most of Seaworlds animals have been taken from their natural habitats for the entertainment of humans. An orca by the name of Shamu was taken from her mother as a calf. While being taken, Shamu’s mother was shot by a harpoon and killed. Shamu had no signs of injury and did not need to be rescued. Seaworld has inbred dolphins with their siblings and parents. The mothers have become so depressed due to the number of miscarriages and deaths of their children that they attempt suicide. 

Seaworld has also been known to ship its abducted animals via FedEx. Seaworld shipped 20 penguins taken from Antarctica and did not take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of the penguins. 16 arrived dead. 

Not only are Seaworld's animals inbred, they often have their young taken from them too early, resulting in malnutrition of the offspring. Many of the animals that are bred at Seaworld have underlying health issues and many pregnancy risks. Not only do these animals have high risks of death and miscarriage, they are also performing while pregnant.

The animals performing in circus acts at Seaworld have gotten many injuries due to dangerous or unsafe acts. Many of these acts endanger the health and safety of marine animals. One of the acts performed involves a surfer standing on two orcas or two dolphins snouts as they glide through the water.

(Here is an image of an orca after a performance that resulted in injury.)

For all of the following reasons, Seaworld should be boycotted due to lack of proper care and treatment of its animals, endangerment of animals, and for taking animals out of their natural environments while claiming to “rescue” them. 

Rowan Sanderka is an 8th grader at DMHS. Rowan likes fish and is designing the world's first self-cleaning fish tank.