
For many of us, Sea World was where we first encountered orcas IRL — in fact, the ocean-themed amusement park has long become synonymous with killer whale shows. Unfortunately, 2013’s exposé documentary Blackfish revealed the seedier side of orcas in captivity, including shortened life spans of the animals and more than three orca trainer deaths. (PSA: if you want to help marine life, remember that no deed is too small. For instance, you could wear this ocean-cleaning bikini, these jeans or shoes — all made from recycled ocean trash.) Due to rampant backlash, the company is now making some big changes to killer whale shows and breeding practices. The organization recently announced that it will end orca breeding and theatrical killer whale shows, which is great news for whales and whale-lovers alike.
In an op-ed to the Los Angeles Times posted today, SeaWorld President and CEO Joel Manby explains that this will be the last generation of orcas at SeaWorld. The organization hasn’t collected an orca from the wild in almost four decades, he says, and will stop all breeding programs this year. The whales that are currently at SeaWorld, however, will stay put because they couldn’t survive in the wild after living in human care, Manby says.
And that’s not all: SeaWorld says it’s going to phase out theatrical whale shows and create “natural orca encounters” that focus on exercise and health. The existing pools where the shows take place will be redesigned for a more natural setting, and guests will still get to watch the whales at scheduled times, but without a show. SeaWorld is beginning this change at the San Diego location next year, followed by San Antonio and then Orlando in 2019, according to a company announcement.
The company has also committed $50 million over the next five years to help end the commercial killing of whales and seals, as well as shark finning. This definitely seems like a step in the right direction!
What do you think about SeaWorld’s announcement? Let us know @BritandCo.
(Photo via Handout/Getty)
Back in January, we introduced you to a feel-good cause to inspire your New Year's resolution: a walking challenge to help raise funds for the amazing cancer fighters at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I took part in the challenge with the Brit + Co team and ended up walking 105+ miles in January — it was awesome.
This spring, there's a new challenge on the horizon, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Big Climb. The ask: On May 15, 2021, you can step up to take cancer down by committing to climb 1,311 steps, walking 3.2 miles, or doing 440 chair step-ups at home as part of the Big Climb. If you need some motivation to bring movement back into your daily routine — look no further!
As always, it's free to sign up, but climbers are encouraged to set a fundraising goal to help beat cancer. We'll be organizing another Brit + Co team to step up, and I hope you'll join us too! Keep scrolling for a peek at where I'll be completing the challenge in my Los Angeles neighborhood around the hidden Silver Lake Stairs. Happy climbing!
Never underestimate the power of an accountability buddy! I asked my in-laws, my partner, and a few friends to join me so we can keep each other motivated and accountable in completing the challenge — virtual high-fives all around! Also, my dog Fox is a great climber, too.
An aesthetically pleasing backdrop is a huge motivator for me! I'm fortunate to have all sorts of painted steps around my neighborhood to keep the challenge interesting, but you can also keep cool inside with at-home chair step-ups.
Don't forget to share your progress on social — #BigClimb!
Feel free to break the challenge up if you need to by tackling half the distance in the AM and half at sunset. Here's me 1,311 steps later and ready for a break — but, think I earned this one!
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