Persuasive Essay On Seaworld Animal Abuse

In 2012, around 10 million people visited two of the most popular Seaworld parks combined. Those 10 million people were unknowingly endorsing and supporting animal abuse. I believe, Seaworld parks around the world are abusing their animals emotionally and physically and should reevaluate how they care for their animals. One of Seaworld’s most famous attraction are the Shamu shows! But what goes on behind the scenes? After the shows the Orcas return to their 180 feet by 90 feet tanks, which are only 35 feet deep. Compared to their natural habitats of vast oceans these tanks are like living in a bathtub. Tilikum, 12,000 lbs and 22 feet long, knows about this all too well. Tilikum was captured in the waters off of Iceland in 1983 at the age of two. 33 years later Tilikum is still being held captive in Seaworld Orlando. Over 25 orcas are being held in these facilities and 37 whales have died in the three Seaworld’s in the United States. Seaworld’s website reads “We do not capture killer whales in the wild… we haven’t collected a killer whale in the wild in 35 years” They stopped 35 years ago because 35 years ago they were exposed for taking them.
In 2012 the USDA gave an official warning to one of the parks for “repeated failure to provide drain covers that are securely fastened in order to minimize the potential risk of animal entrapment”. This resulted in a death of a sea lion. A few years ago the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health and Administration (OSHA) investigated the scene of a Seaworld in Florida and cited them with 3 violations. One of which was “No substances that are known to be or may be toxic or harmful to marine mammals may be stored or maintained in the marine mammal food storage or preparation areas” from AWA regulation 9 CFR section 3.101. Bleach and oil had been stored right next to the gelatin they fed the