Preview

Argumentative Essay

Better Essays
Open Document
Open Document
1241 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Argumentative Essay
Marine-Mammal Shows: Harmful to both Animals and People A famous dolphin trainer gave up his career which could have brought him both wealth and prosperity and became a free-the-dolphins activist instead. His name is Richard O’Barry and he is now struggling to conserve the rights of marine animals, especially dolphins. He was motivated by the fact that his precious dolphin (in the movie “Flipper”) that he once trained committed suicide in front of him, which shows one of the many problematic aspects of marine-mammal entertainment industries. Marine park shows include marine mammals such as dolphins, beluga whales, sea lions, orca, cetaceans and so on. Since the 1960s and the movie “Flipper,” these animals started to be displayed to the public in special shows with radically increased public demand. Meanwhile, it is debatable whether humans have the right to use marine mammals for entertainment. Although some think that the marine-mammal shows are beneficial for educational purposes, it is imperative that the shows be stopped because they absolutely do not guarantee the animals’ health, the animals’ emotional well-being, and human safety. Those who insist that marine-mammal shows be continued believe that the shows are educational for people. They state that, in the urbanized contemporary world, there is very little chance to see marine mammals. They believe that the shows enable people to learn how to understand, communicate with, and love the animals. However, it is doubtful that the educational purpose of marine mammal shows is well-realized. This is because the audiences who are supposed to be educated actually do not seem to feel the effects of the show. According to Kellert and Dunlap, unlike the educational statements of captive animal facilities, the average visitor’s care and regard for the biology and ecology of animals after a zoo visit lessens (Jiang 3, 2007). Furthermore, the shows could bring the reverse results. Many visitors of animal parks,


Cited: Jiang, Yixing; Luck, Michael; Parsons E.C.M. “Public Awareness, Education, and Marine Mammal Captivity.” Tourism Review International, Volume 11, Number 3, 2007 , pp. 237-249(13), Cognizant Communication Corporation Kretzer, Michelle. “8 Trainers Reveal Abuse at Marine Park.” www.PETA.org, 16 August 2012. Web. 12 May 2013. Mike Thomas of The,Sentinel Staff. "Critics Fight Sea World Whale Hunt." Orlando Sentinel: 0. Jan 04 1987. ProQuest. Web. 20 May 2013 Garcia, Jason. " 'Gaps ' in Trainers ' Safety Debated." Orlando SentinelSep 20 2011. ProQuest. Web. 20 May 2013 The Cove. Dir. Louie Psihoyos. Perf. Ric O 'Barry. Oceanic Preservation Society, 2009. Film.
Continue Reading
View Writing Issues

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Good Essays

    Blackfish Rhetoric Analysis
    • 1293 Words
    • 6 Pages

    Blackfish Rhetoric Analysis

    The documentary successfully exploits visual and emotional rhetoric in order to cause its audience to question the treatment of whales and the habit of caring for these orcas in captivity. By observing the dilemma of captivity amongst orca whales, it produces emotions that range from empathy to resentment. This film powerfully influences its viewers to want to take action and possibly join efforts to help killer whales in captivity…

    • 1293 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Killer Whales Rhetorical Analysis
    • 1318 Words
    • 6 Pages

    Killer Whales Rhetorical Analysis

    With such deliberate placement, the writer seeks to exemplify insight of the article by providing historically iconic dates in cetacean captivity, particularly those which have made an impact in media coverage of the topic. By searching through news articles of these dates, the student is immediately able to locate cover stories and breaking news videos of various attacks. Along with dates, statistics can also be found within the entry. Several times throughout the pages, the whale Tilikum appears in association with three deaths in the past years he has been held in captivity, and his being the largest whale in captivity. This means that Tilikum has a violent past, and can easily overcome a trainer. Another statistical factor that is referenced is that of Mean Duration of Captivity, or MDC. “Based upon the MMIR data, and represented in Appendix A, we have calculated the mean duration of captivity (MDC) to be less than nine years. This is regardless of whether an orca was extracted from the ocean, or born at a theme park.” This statement emphasizes that orcas live shockingly short lives while held in captivity, due to less-than-ideal living conditions. The statistics provide the student with a grasp of exactly of much or how many ways the actions of the parks have an effect on the animals living in captivity. It provides concrete evidence on which we can rely for an image of things such…

    • 1318 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Marienland Unethical Practises
    • 1288 Words
    • 6 Pages

    Marienland Unethical Practises

    c) Summary: This article is about some former employees who worked at Marineland and have filed a petition with 77,000 names bringing awareness and urging the government to take immediate action to regulate zoos. Premier Dalton McGuinty recognizes the concerns behind the petition but wants to wait until the Society for the Protection of Animals completes its investigation and makes recommendations before he takes further action. Phil Demers is a former animal trainer at Marineland who quit after 11 years because he could no longer bear to see animals not being properly cared for and housed in inappropriate settings. He goes on to further add that his heart is breaking after watching dolphins swimming with their eyes squeezed shut because their water filtration system broke down and was not repaired.…

    • 1288 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Better Essays

    SeaWorld’s Argument Against BlackFish
    • 971 Words
    • 3 Pages

    SeaWorld’s Argument Against BlackFish

    SeaWorld’s appeal to logos is their strongest appeal because of how many statistics, facts, numbers and logical arguments they stated directly against the statements made by the producers of BlackFish. For example, they use statistics such as 80% of the marine animals under the care of the corporation were born into the care of humans. This rebuts arguments that BlackFish stated about how most animals in captivity under SeaWorld’s care were taken from the wild in a vicious and violent way. They inform the reader that they have 11 US theme parks and they care for approximately 67,000 animals, including 7,000 marine and terrestrial animals and 60,000 fish. The facts and logistics prove to viewers with exact numbers and facts that they are a hearty…

    • 971 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Better Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    Orca Captivity Research Paper
    • 1523 Words
    • 7 Pages

    Orca Captivity Research Paper

    For many years, people have gone to places like SeaWorld in either Orlando, California, or Texas to marvel at and to be entertained by the creatures known as Orcinus orca. For those people not familiar with the scientific term, they are also called Orca whales. These powerful, magnificent, intelligent creatures have become the trademarks of the parks where they entertain, and they have also made a lasting impression on the children and adults who come to see any of their shows. “More than 13 million people flock to the company’s three parks in Orlando, San Diego, and San Antonio to see Shamu every year (Vary, linccweb.org)”. But while it is true that people greatly enjoy these shows, there is a growing controversy regarding the argument about whether these animals should be caged or free. This paper is going to explore both sides of this argument, while…

    • 1523 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    Captive Orca Whales In Seaworld
    • 1838 Words
    • 8 Pages

    Captive Orca Whales In Seaworld

    With a total of 23 beautiful orca whales, it is no surprise SeaWorld attracted 4.4 million tourists in 2014. These millions flock to watch the black and white beauties swim, splash, and wave in front of huge audiences and charismatic trainers, but these millions might not be so excited once they watch, Blackfish. In the documentary, Blackfish, filmmakers attempt to discredit the SeaWorld corporation, for compromising the welfare of captive orcas for a higher financial gain. Blackfish caused quite the stir when it comes to SeaWorld’s treatment of their orcas, and brought into question, if it is ethical to keep these animals in captivity.…

    • 1838 Words
    • 8 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    After Seaworld Analysis
    • 729 Words
    • 3 Pages

    After Seaworld Analysis

    Aquatic and wild animals seem to be a huge contribution of our society and entertainment, but rarely we see incidents recently recalling killer whales at SeaWorld. Reading the article “After Seaworld, ‘Blackfish effect’ on circuses and zoos?” by Kelly Wallace, shows the viewpoint on the topic of the movie called “Blackfish.” The film is about Seaworld and the famous killer whale Tilikum. The history of him and his seaworld experience was introduced. He ended up killing his trainer Dawn Brancheau, and some people even blamed her for it. This is a topic that is rarely discussed in society, but it seems as if people have a misunderstanding or don't know enough about it to have an opinion. The shocking news, is that this is not the first time…

    • 729 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Best Essays

    Killer Whales In Captivity: A Documentary Analysis
    • 4382 Words
    • 18 Pages

    Killer Whales In Captivity: A Documentary Analysis

    The documentary has caused much controversy in regard to holding whales and dolphins in tanks at marine parks. This powerful expose focuses on SeaWorld’s possession of orca whales in an attempt to illustrate the capability of the aggressive nature of these mammals while in captivity. Whales have not only attacked other whales while in captivity, but lashed out in aggression on humans as well, thus, while looking at aggressive behaviors in the wild versus those in captivity, there will ultimately be a decision if this kind of behavior should be dealt with in public parks, or should strictly be left in the depths of the ocean.…

    • 4382 Words
    • 18 Pages
    Best Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Seaworld Captivity
    • 303 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Seaworld Captivity

    Imagine you are in a boat right off the shores of Greece. You happen to look up and out of the corner of your eye you see something. As your gaze adjusts, you notice it's a killer whale, being torn away from his home. A large net encloses in in, attached to a large ship. Now, imagine you are sitting in the stands at SeaWorld, surrounded by hundreds of people, people waiting so eagerly to lay eyes on this year’s rendition of “Shamu”. When you look into the cement “pool”, you see him. You see the majestic, beautiful, free, wild animal now in captivity. Only, this time, he looks tired, old, neglected, abused, and lifeless. This is exactly what SeaWorld is doing to killer whales. They take these wild animals out of their natural habitat and force them into captivity.…

    • 303 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Black Fish Argumentative Essay
    • 840 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Black Fish Argumentative Essay

    Over thirty years and three deaths have occurred at the marine park SeaWorld, Keltie Byrne, Dawn Brancheau, and Daniel P. Dukes. The media blew up about the aggressive behaviors of the whales; killing innocent trainers. SeaWorld San Antonio alone is responsible for fourteen deaths of Orcas in the past thirty years. Where is the media's articles for the deaths of Winnie, Kahana and Kortar? Three orcas of the fourteen that have died in the care of SeaWorld's facility.…

    • 840 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Orca Whales Abuse
    • 579 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Orca Whales Abuse

    The physical abuse of orca whales remains a growing problem in today’s national SeaWorld parks. Physical abuse starts when orca whales are captured from the wild using horrendous methods that have ended in mass fatality for the whales in question. Zimmermann (2010) said “Griffin bought the 8,000-pound animal for $8,000. He towed the orca, which he named Namu, 450 miles back to Seattle in a custom-made floating pen. Namu’s family pod-20 to 25 orcas-followed most of the way” (p.5). This is said in regards to the first ever capture of an orca whale. Ted Griffin and Don Goldsberry eventually developed the method of locating orca pods from the air, and then chasing them into coves with seal bombs and boats. Once the whales were trapped inside the…

    • 579 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Better Essays

    Blackfish Essay
    • 1976 Words
    • 6 Pages

    Blackfish Essay

    Who does not love to see dolphins and whales flipping and doing tricks? Although the animals look happy and unharmed, there is a dark truth behind the captive marine life in amusement parks and zoos. Yes, attending zoos and marine life amusement parks are a part of childhood; but recently researchers have discovered just how cruel the environment is for the marine life in captivity. After studies of comparing the quality of life of marine animals in the wild and in captivity, there are multiple examples shown in Blackfish, PETA, and the Animal Welfare Institute that show that animals prosper and live longer in their natural habitats. Due to the cruelty endured by the captivated Orcas, all the SeaWorld parks should be shut down and the Orca whales should be set free to prevent further demise to their species.…

    • 1976 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Better Essays
    Read More
  • Better Essays

    Inhumane Practices In Sea World
    • 1252 Words
    • 6 Pages

    Inhumane Practices In Sea World

    There have been several investigations into their inhumane practices. Tragically, Sea World is responsible for thirty-six unnatural orca deaths since 1971 (“Lives Stolen”). Some of the causes include diseases, stillbirth complications, and infections (“Lives Stolen”). None of these orcas died from old age. All these deaths occurred due to conditions of their captivity. Wild orcas have an average lifespan of thirty to fifty years, but in captivity the oldest orca was only twenty-six years old (“Lives Stolen”). These horrors only accounts for one species out of 6,126 species housed in all zoos (“Zoo Statistics”). Zoos are not only unsafe for animals, but also for humans. Over the past twenty-six years, 256 injuries have occurred from animal attacks (Romain). Of those injuries, thirty-three deaths have been reported (Romain). The injuries and deaths are of both the animal trainers and audience. Zoos practice an unmoral act to reduce attacks, they force antipsychotic medication down the throats of those animals to keep them more docile. Medication is not ethical, instead, animals should remain in their natural habitats, not pinned up in close proximity to people. Since animals are not in their natural homes, they perform unnatural habits such as self-abuse, pacing, swaying, boredom, and stress-induced behavior. Unlike in the zoo, animals out in…

    • 1252 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Better Essays
    Read More
  • Better Essays

    Forensic Rhetoric
    • 1945 Words
    • 6 Pages

    Forensic Rhetoric

    For Centuries, the world’s populace have had an irresistible interest in animals and have flocked to zoos and other animal habitats such as Sea World or San Diego Zoo. Ever year, millions of families go on whale watching tours and aboard safaris or enjoy a Circus performance. However, the interest in animals is nothing new: Zoos have been around and brightening the smiles of many since the first collection of animals in our early periods of Chinese, Mesopotamian, and Egyptian civilizations (Rutledge). The term zoo is an abbreviated form of “zoological garden” and it was created in the nineteenth century (Rutledge). The reasons behind captivating wild animals are associated with the deep core study of animals, restoration, preservation and educational needs. For an extensive period, zoo authorities claimed to have contributed to the restoration of endangered animal species; due to the up rise of vocals in organizations dealing with animal rights, a matter of abuse on zoo animals has become apparent. The issue of keeping animals in captivity or not is argued on several websites and blogs. This matter has become the source of passionate disputes taking place throughout the world.…

    • 1945 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Better Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Pros And Cons Of Animal Captivity
    • 1338 Words
    • 6 Pages

    Pros And Cons Of Animal Captivity

    So let’s say that you were an orca or a dolphin and you were held in captivity against your will by another human being, How would you feel about this situation? Well, in the case of many unfortunate aquatic mammals in marine parks and zoos around the world, most of these magnificent animals are held captive in tanks with no room to roam around, or have to deal with being alone, which can trigger stress and aggression. Over the years since the 1960s, the first marine mammals were put into display for entertainment shows in Marine Parks like Seaworld or any other marine parks that was on the globe; around the world, people wondered if captivity was a good or bad idea. By the time the 70s came and movies like “Free Willy” and “Blackfish” being…

    • 1338 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More

Related Topics