School has made me into a complete research nerd. On my own time and
will I find myself researching topics. My most recent topic of interest
began this summer when I finally got around to watching the "Blackfish"
documentary. Post watching that film on netflix, I had a typical
reaction to the film's message (full rant posted to my tumblr).
Basically, I left bad for my eight year old self who wanted nothing more
than to go to Sea World and see the whale show, which I did end up
seeing in my childhood. Looking back to then I felt so naive, as a
typical eight year old is, but more so of the fact that I convinced my
parents to spend money on a company who is having and have had so many
issues. "Blackfish" talked about several factors that led to Dawn
Brancheau's death. These issues being, animal captivity causing
aggression, and ill knowledge on orcas.
Recently
in the news I saw that Sea World San Diego is putting millions of
dollars into revamping their orca exhibit, adding several gallons of
water, deeper tank, an exercise jet, and including a new way to interact
with the orcas - there will be a shore that people can walk up to and
interact with the animals. Along with the exhibit, Sea World is
investing money into orca research and conservation. Which I personally
think is great, this was everything that I was thinking would help the
animals at Sea World. However, my natural research instinct kicked in
and I was wondering why all of a sudden this exhibit will premier in
2015. Sea World claims that it is not because of all the attention
Blackfish drew on Sea World, but I looked deeper into their website
seaworldcares.com. The website purely talks in response to Blackfish to
defend themselves, and with one piece saying one thing about the
situation and another source saying the opposite it gets confusing who
is actually right.
I am so interested on
this topic of animal rights activism because professionally I would
really like to advocate for those in society who do not have a voice.
Although I am not on the PETA side of animal activism, I am not on the
opposite side of the spectrum of a non believer. As usual, I take the
middle ground view on animal rights and still do not fully believe the
rebuttal Sea World has on Blackfish. I am glad to see the renovations
that will be taken place, but any sort of captivity is not good.
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