“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.

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Mohsina Dodhiya

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