A major announcement from SeaWorld. It's phasing out orca shows,caving to public pressure and scrutiny. SeaWorld says it will replace the controversial show in California with one that portrays the whales more naturally, instead of relying on human-designed stunts.
They add that the park will focus on a "strong conservation message". Conservation is the effort of protecting animals, plants and habitats.
Sharon Chen has more on SeaWorld's plan going forward and what will happen to the killer whales.
--REPORTER PKG-AS FOLLOWS--
When I was little all I remember is being splashed kind of by Shamu
MEMORIES JOCELYN CABRERA HOPES TO RELIVE AS SHE`S BACK IN SAN DIEGO.
I`m glad I get to see it again I wish more kids could get that experience.
AN EXPERIENCE THAT`S SOON COMING TO AN END.
there`s a lot of factors and I think we have to see how it all plays out.
IN A WEBCAST TO ITS INVESTORS... SEA WORLD ANNOUNCED MONDAY AFTER 2016...THE SHOW ONE OCEAN... WILL NOT GO ON.
We are listening to our guests we are evolving as a company we`re always changing.
WHAT`S EVOLVING IS AN ALL NEW 'ORCA EXPERIENCE' ...COMING IN 2017.
It`s going to be focused more on the natural setting, natural environment and also the natural behaviors of the whale and it will have a strong conservation message.
SEA WORLD EXECUTIVES GAVE LITTLE INFORMATION ABOUT THE NEW ATTRACTION, BUT WHAT IS KNOWN - THE PARK HAS TAKEN A NUMBER OF RECENT HITS.
LAST MONTH THE COASTAL COMMISSION GRANTED EXPANSION OF IT`S 'BLUE WORLD' KILLER WHALE EXHIBIT, BUT THEN ORDERED AN END TO BREEDING ORCA`S IN CAPTIVITY...
ATTENDANCE HAS ALSO SUNK OVER THE LAST YEAR FROM BACKLASH OVER BLACKFISH - THE DOCUMENTARY CRITICIZING THE PARK`S TREATMENT OF KILLER WHALES
I just have all the happy memories of all the kids watching the show
it`s just magical
THE CABRERAS SAID THEY WILL MISS THE SHOW, BUT , WHAT`S MOST IMPORTANT IS SEA WORLD`S WORK IN CONSERVATION.
I`m always so proud of what Sea World does in nature how many animals it rescues I think they`re doing a really good thing.
AND JOCELYN SAID EVEN IF THE ORCAS DON`T HAVE THE STAGE, SHE`S SURE WILL BE MAKING A SPLASH IN A WHOLE NEW WAY.
Maybe it`s for the better, because if they`re going to do more enrichment things, I could see that going a good place.
Instructional Links
Classroom Materials: Seattle Aquarium, Orca Whale Curriculum
http://www.seattleaquarium.org/NetCommunity/Document.Doc?id=159
Website Article: The American Cetacean Society, Orca (Killer Whale)
http://acsonline.org/fact-sheets/orca-killer-whale/
Website Article: SeaWorld Cares, Killer Whales
http://seaworldcares.com/killer-whales/
Website: Conservation Evidence
http://www.conservationevidence.com
Website: Columbus Zoo for Conservation, Projects
https://globalimpact.columbuszoo.org/projects
Classroom Materials: Smithsonian National Zoological Park, Conservation Central Online Curriculum
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/education/ConservationCentral/teacher/default.cfm