An Update on the Orcas

The topics of whales in captivity has been covered extensively in the press this past month following the death of a Seaworld trainer in Florida. It raises the question all over again about whether these intelligent animals should actually be in captivity at all.

How intelligent are orcas? Take a look at this video to see how they educate their young. And, don't worry about showing it to kids, it seems gruesome as it is a hunting lesson, but I promise it has a happy outcome.



There was an interesting development in the Seaworld story this week with PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) purchasing equity in The Blackstone Group which owns Seaworld. While PETA would usually not involve themselves financially with Seaworld, according to their statement, this gives them the legal right to call for the end of the dolphin and whale shows at Seaworld. They are pushing for the animals to be released to coastal sanctuaries - the best option available to most of them who were either born in captivity or captured to young to be reintroduced to the wild. Of the 42 orcas known to be in captivity, 28 of them are spread amongst Seaworld's four parks.

Look out Seaworld. I wouldn't want PETA as my enemy.