Blackfish (2013)
I just watched the documentary Blackfish (2013) on Netflix, and I’m in tears. Tears of sadness and anger. Powerful and potentially life-changing, this exposé is on the same level as The Cove (2009). I cannot condone the exploitation and torture of whales and dolphins in captivity for so-called “entertainment”, especially “entertainment” that has an unbelievably lengthy history of severe injuries and horrific death to trainers.
And SeaWorld is leading this horrendous industry, lying and deceiving the public and their own personnel for decades and behind their lies, smiles, and sparkling promotions, they promote the torture of extremely intelligent animals all for profit.
I am sad and mad for both the animals and the people who work(ed) with them, unaware of their individual histories and the potential threat to their safety. Many of the trainers are working with animals who have a history of aggression, and even death, yet were never told. I am also upset because of the decades-long cover up and whitewashing of the truth, deceiving the general public into believing that the animals are well cared for and treated with dignity and respect.
There are some aquariums and marine centers that do tremendous good in the rescuing, emergency care, and rehabilitation of injured sealife. Others have assisted in the protection and repopulation of endangered species. However, the end goal should always be the release of as many animals as possible back into their natural habitats. Those that cannot be returned to the wild should be cared for but not exploited, abused, forced to perform on man’s schedule, and crammed into tiny prisons with other frustrated and stressed animals.
I cannot conscientiously visit SeaWorld or any other “park” that mistreats animals for profit. I love whales and dolphins. For much of my youth, my dream was to become a marine biologist. However, they should be observed in their natural habitats and treated with the respect and dignity they deserve as one of God’s beautiful and wondrous creations.
If you have yet to see the documentary, I highly recommend doing so. If we come so desensitized to the mistreatment and sufferings of animals, how long until we begin to view the mistreatment and sufferings of fellow people with the same indifference?