“The power to shut down these cruel parks lies in every visitor’s hands.”
An ex- SeaWorld trainer is urging the Brits to stop supporting marine parks this summer because of the rampant animal cruelty prevalent in these commercial settings.
John Hargrove was a top ranked Sr. Orca Trainer in SeaWorld and later at Marineland in France, before he resigned from his post in 2012.
After working with more than 20 orcas over 14 years, Hargrove turned whistle-blower to expose the industry.
He told the Sun Online: “I worked with some whales that were on medication every day of their life and have personally watched whales die at very young ages from disease.
“It was the most difficult decision in my life to have to walk away from the whales I loved to be able to become a whistle-blower and expose the industry.”
Realities of marine amusement parks
Marine amusement parks such as SeaWorld have repeatedly come under fire for the terrible treatment of animals.
Moreover activists, celebrities, and the general public have also condemned the industry particularly following the release of the expose documentary Blackfish in 2013.
The film highlighted issues including separating mother orcas from their babies and the aggressive display of animal behaviour spurred on by forced confinement.
It also showcased the story of Tilikum, a killer whale that killed three trainers during its time in captivity.
According to experts, Tilikum’s psychotic behaviour was a result of “having spent more than three decades deprived of any semblance of a natural life.”
“Imagine spending your entire life trapped in a small enclosure,” Hargrove added.
“Physical and psychological damage endured by human prisoners in solitary confinement is well-documented.
“Orcas at amusement parks such as SeaWorld suffer the same.”
‘Power to shut down cruel parks lies in every visitor’s hands’
Hargrove further added that visitors and tourists who go to SeaWorld as part of their package holidays are unknowingly paying their cash for this cruelty to continue.
The former SeaWorld employee said: “Some visitors, who wouldn’t dream of going to an animal circus, don’t think twice before paying to see dolphins performing tricks.
“I resigned so I could speak publicly to expose what truly happens to these animals in captivity – the only way to bring about change.
“The harsh reality is that they are exploited by a billion-dollar industry built on animal suffering.
“If you’re visiting a country where these shows are on offer, vote with your wallet by staying away.
“The power to shut down these cruel parks lies in every visitor’s hands.”
Travel companies end business with SeaWorld
Multiple businesses have also cut ties with SeaWorld in the past couple of years thanks to increased animal welfare awareness campaigns and pressure by animal right organisations.
Last November, travel giant Expedia stopped selling tickets to SeaWorld and to dubious “swim with dolphins” encounters.
It was part of the company’s updated wildlife policy, which “prohibits activities that feature interactions with or performances by dolphins, whales, and other cetaceans”.
Other travel brands including Tripadvisor, Virgin Holidays, British Airways Holidays, Club Med, Airbnb, and Booking.com, have also stopped selling tickets to SeaWorld and other places that keep whales and dolphins in tanks.
Share this story: Ex SeaWorld orca trainer urges Brits to ‘think twice before paying to see dolphins performing tricks’.
Lifestyle
Vegan culture, food, beauty & more
Gordon Ramsay Ditches Vegan Hate and Backs Flora’s Plant-Based Butter in New ‘Skip the Cow’ Campaign
- Totally Vegan Buzz Team
- 28th January 2025
Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, once infamous for his digs at vegans, has taken a sharp turn in the kitchen. Ramsay has teamed up with Flora, the famous UK-based spread brand, as its global ambassador, marking a bold new chapter in Flora’s “Skip the Cow” campaign. Flora, established in 1964, has long been a household name …
The Top 10 Vegan-Friendly Places in Latin America
- Totally Vegan Buzz Team
- 27th January 2025
Latin America is experiencing an extraordinary rise in plant-based dining options. A new study, spearheaded by Veganuary in partnership with the food discovery platform HappyCow, reveals that Latin America now boasts over 10,000 vegan, vegetarian, and vegan-friendly restaurants—an impressive 21.6% jump compared to last year. Brazil takes the crown as the number one country, with …
Continue reading “The Top 10 Vegan-Friendly Places in Latin America”
VEGAN MEMES
NEED A LAUGH?
QUIZZES
All the quizzes you love to binge!
QUIZ: If you score 11/12 on this quiz, you’re a verified vegan food expert
- Marlon Farrugia
- 10th January 2020
How much vegan knowledge do you have stored away? Do you have to Google your way through a shopping trip, or do you have all the bad E-numbers memorised? Find out now with this quiz. [wpViralQuiz id=27203]
QUIZ: What is your perfect Vegan Halloween Costume?
- Marlon Farrugia
- 13th October 2019
Spook Season approaches. There will be ghosts, goblins, ghouls, and glucose. You need a costume, and you want to it to show off your personality, which means VEGAN. But what to choose? Take our quiz to find out your perfect outfit. [wpViralQuiz id=33494]
QUIZ: What kind of vegetable are you?
- Marlon Farrugia
- 26th September 2019
“If you were a vegetable, what kind would you be?” A question that has tormented humanity throughout the ages – until now. [wpViralQuiz id=31281] Read: QUIZ: If you score 19/20 on THIS quiz, you’re a Vegan God