Local Congressman To Introduce Bill To End Captivity of Killer Whales
SANTA MONICA (CBSLA.com) – A congressman from Burbank announced on Friday he is working on federal legislation that is aimed at freeing killer whales from captivity.
Democratic Representative Adam Schiff plans to introduce the Orca Responsibility and Care Advancement Act that will put an end to captivity of orcas in the U.S., ban breeding, importing and exporting of the animals for public display.
"I don't want to give anyone the impression that this is going to be an easy undertaking. I don't think it will be," said Schiff.
"Elephants have sanctuaries. Tigers have sanctuaries. Bears have sanctuaries. Chimpanzees have sanctuaries," said Marine Biologist Dr. Naomi Rose." The orca expert is advocating that the 24 killer whales now in captivity nationwide be placed in sanctuaries once the bill is passed.
Former trainer Samantha Burge said "As much as it was my dream to swim with a killer whale, it's obviously not the killer whale's dream to swim with us. They all live tragic lives. They all have tragic stories."
According to the documentary "Blackfish," whales in captivity lead a tough life and suffer.
Since the release of the documentary in 2013, attendance at SeaWorld has fallen. The company has admitted that its reputation has taken a hit.
Now, SeaWorld plans to spend $100 million to increase the size of its whale habitat. But the California Coastal Commission has banned SeaWorld San Diego to breed any of its 11 orcas. But the marine mammal theme park said it will fight the ban.
SeaWorld calls Schiff's bill an emotional issue and said it treats all of its killer whales with dignity and respect.
SeaWorld says its whales are thriving and the parks foster understanding of the animals. "SeaWorld and other science-based organizations are part of the solution, not the problem. We have not captured a whale in 35 years, and we will not do so," said Jill Kermes of SeaWorld. The theme park has trained killer whales for 50 years.
The debate on the Schiff's bill in Congress is set to begin early next year.
