We celebrated Ellison's 9th birthday at SeaWorld a few weekends ago. She loves animals and considers it one of her favorite places so it seemed a natural fit. I know, you can't even mention the name 'SeaWorld' without getting looks of scorn and shame. Yet, I am proud to say I enjoy it and so does Ellison. However, when she went back to school after her fantastic birthday weekend, a close friend of hers got upset and told her that she should never go to SeaWorld because "they made animals into slaves". So, naturally, Ellison was horrified and came home crying - for both the animals and herself. She wanted to know if it was true that Sea World was treating its animals cruelly. Would this mean she really couldn't visit the park again? Well, this led to a long discussion about animals kept in zoos and aquariums, conservation and environmental protection and a curiously in-depth analysis of the risk-reward principle of economics. It was a lot to take in, but she's 9 now and as one advances in age so must they advance philosophically. Or something like that. Long story short, I explained to her my reasons for supporting SeaWorld (but of course told her she was free to form her own opinion- cause we're open-minded like that around here).
In case somehow you missed it, there has been a lot of controversy surrounding Sea World, particularly since the release of Blackfish in 2013. And, I have to admit, after watching the film I can see why. While the movie has some basis in fact, it comes across more as a propaganda film than as an objective documentary. It was definitely designed to strike an emotional chord and paints SeaWorld and its employees with a very broad, very negative brush. And though there are obvious (and very serious) ethical issues surrounding the capture and containment of large mammals like whales and dolphins, I have a hard time buying into the increasingly popular belief that the SeaWorld organization as a whole is nothing short of cruel and exploitative. Just as I have a hard time buying into the idea that SeaWorld theme parks should be permanently shut down in the name of "animal welfare". The vast majority of these animals were born in captivity and are not equipped to live in the wild - setting them free at this point would be far more cruel.
Having grown up in Orlando and having visited SeaWorld more times that I can count, I can't easily dismiss and discount the knowledge I have personally gained from the park about marine life, a great deal of which came from being able to see such unique animals close-up - the polar bear, the penguins, the sharks, the sea lions, the orcas, the stingrays- the list is goes on and on. SeaWorld has played a role in helping to foster in Ellison a deep respect for the amazing animals she sees in the park, as well an understanding of the interconnectedness of human and animal life. Each visit brings new insights, new interests and new perspectives on the natural world. I don't see what these animals are doing as degrading circus tricks. I see it as a display of their natural intelligence coupled with the hard work put in by their trainers and handlers, who clearly have a very warm, affectionate relationship with their creature cast mates. It takes money to conduct the extensive research, rescue and conservation efforts put forth by the SeaWorld organization. This money is generated by their theme parks, and the beautifully choreographed shows put on at those parks. Each visit provides funding for the thousands of hands-on rescues and rehabilitation work done by the SeaWorld staff each year - for a variety of animals, not just the most popular whales and dolphins.
Having grown up in Orlando and having visited SeaWorld more times that I can count, I can't easily dismiss and discount the knowledge I have personally gained from the park about marine life, a great deal of which came from being able to see such unique animals close-up - the polar bear, the penguins, the sharks, the sea lions, the orcas, the stingrays- the list is goes on and on. SeaWorld has played a role in helping to foster in Ellison a deep respect for the amazing animals she sees in the park, as well an understanding of the interconnectedness of human and animal life. Each visit brings new insights, new interests and new perspectives on the natural world. I don't see what these animals are doing as degrading circus tricks. I see it as a display of their natural intelligence coupled with the hard work put in by their trainers and handlers, who clearly have a very warm, affectionate relationship with their creature cast mates. It takes money to conduct the extensive research, rescue and conservation efforts put forth by the SeaWorld organization. This money is generated by their theme parks, and the beautifully choreographed shows put on at those parks. Each visit provides funding for the thousands of hands-on rescues and rehabilitation work done by the SeaWorld staff each year - for a variety of animals, not just the most popular whales and dolphins.
So it is because of SeaWorld's emphasis on research, education, conservation and rescue that I will continue to visit their parks and encourage others I know to do so, as well. The efforts made by the organization in these four areas should not be undermined by a handful of admittedly tragic and unfortunate events. They instead should be encouraged and celebrated, while simultaneously exploring ways to make the care and treatment of the animals in their charge the best it can possibly be. As in all areas of life, when you know better, you should do better. And SeaWorld has acknowledged that there are areas in which they need to make adjustments and improvements. Hopefully, they will continue on this path. I have read, and discussed with Ellison, the criticism facing SeaWorld and agree that some of the concerns raised are legitimate. I encourage you to research the issue for yourself and make the decision that is right for you and your family. As for me and my family, we will continue to support SeaWorld and, like it or not, I will continue to allow my daughter to dream of one day being a scientist and dolphin trainer.
These pictures are of Ellison during her first visit to the SeaWorld Orlando park. Since the moment pictured here she has been enthralled with marine mammals of all kinds - particularly dolphins and whales. I credit her desire to watch documentaries on the ocean and its inhabitants, research facts about sea life and the absolute life-changing joy she felt when we encountered a pod of wild spinner dolphins while snorkeling in Hawaii in large part to the curiosity piqued during her visits to SeaWorld.
See you back here soon!
See you back here soon!
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