A California lawmaker introduced a bill on March 7 that would ban live performances and captive breeding of killer whales in the state, essentially forcing the SeaWorld San Diego theme park to halt its well-known "Shamu" shows, according to Reuters.
Assemblyman Richard Bloom introduced the measure during a press conference, saying that his interest in the issue was sparked by the documentary "Blackfish," which explores the treatment of killer whales by SeaWorld employees.
The film attempts to showcase the circumstances that lead to the death of a top SeaWorld trainer, Dawn Brancheau, in 2010, who was pulled underwater and drowned by an orca she performed with at the Florida park.
SeaWorld has criticized the film, calling it misleading and an "inaccurate piece of animal rights propaganda, according to Reuters.
Since Brancheau's death, trainers have not been allowed back into the water with killer whales during performances at SeaWorld parks.
The film claims that keeping the orca's in captivity is cruel and that SeaWorld won't budge on the practice because orcas are its main attraction at each theme park.
"There is no justification for the continued display of orcas for entertainment purposes," Bloom said this week, according to Reuters. "These beautiful creatures are much too large and far too intelligent to be confined in small, concrete tanks for their entire lives."
SeaWorld has since called Bloom's proposal "severely flawed on multiple levels" and even questioned its legitimacy under the U.S. constitution.
The bill would also require orcas to be retired and returned to the wild, or "sea pens, as soon as possible.
"I have not seen the bill yet, but I respect my colleague and value what SeaWorld does economically and scientifically for our region," state lawmaker Toni Atkins, the Assembly majority leader who will soon become the speaker, said, according to Reuters. "I will carefully consider all the issues and opinions surrounding this legislation."
The company also pointed out that individuals that Bloom chose to associate with for the press conference were fighting SeaWorld even before the documentary came out, along with other marine mammal parks, and institutions.
SeaWorld operates marine parks in San Diego, CA, Orlando, FL, and San Antonio, Texas.
The San Diego theme park is home to 10 killer whales, seven of which were born at the park. It is the only location in California with orca whales on display.
SeaWorld has repeatedly denied any mistreating of killer whales, and has pointed to its efforts in marine mammal research, rescue, public education, and conservation since the first park opened up in 1964.
"Our passionate employees are the true animal advocates - the pioneering scientists, researchers, veterinarians, trainers, marine biologists, educators, aquarists, aviculturists and conservationists who for 50 years have cared for the animals at SeaWorld and also saved thousands in the wild that are injured, ill or orphaned," the company said in a statement, according to Reuters.
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