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PETA plans SeaWorld protest: Updated

by Leah Zanolla
Mar 8, 2010

According to a press release, PETA is planning a protest against SeaWorld for Tuesday morning. The press release simply reads, "SeaWorld parkgoers will soon receive a message from above, courtesy of PETA." The animal activist group is planning to fly a plane pulling a banner reading "SeaWorld: Let Whales and Dolphins Out of Prison" over the park.

The group is upset about the fatal incident on Feb 25 involving a killer whale and its trainer. They believe all dolphins and whales should be transferred to coastal sanctuaries.

All animal shows at SeaWorld are running as previously scheduled, but the trainers are no longer allowed in the water.

Update: The following is a press release from SeaWorld in response to PETA's protest:

"We’re left to wonder how many animals in need could’ve been helped with the thousands of dollars spent on PETA’s latest exercise in theatrics. This publicity stunt proved once again that PETA is an extremist organization far more interested in photo opportunities than helping animals. It served no purpose other than to again compound the sadness and grief being experienced by those SeaWorld employees closest to Dawn Brancheau.

It should also be noted that while PETA was flying around our park today, SeaWorld animal care specialists and veterinarians were rescuing a manatee in the Desoto Canal near Satellite Beach, Florida. Right now our animal care teams are treating more than 50 rescued wild animals, including representatives of three endangered or threatened species, and preparing those animals for return to the wild. In just the past nine weeks SeaWorld parks have rescued and treated nearly 1,000 animals and most have already been returned to the ocean.

SeaWorld rejects every charge made by PETA. Our parks will continue to do what they have always done: bring marine animals to our guests in ways that are enriching, inspiring, educational and entertaining."