SeaWorld to phase out controversial killer whale display in San Diego November 10, 2015 - 11:22 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - SeaWorld is closing the curtain on killer whale shows at its San Diego park next year, CNN reports. The company said Monday, November 9 it plans to reinvent the attraction that's been the center of animal-cruelty claims against SeaWorld (SEAS). Shows at the San Diego park will stop by the end of 2016, said CEO Joel Manby, while a "new orca experience" will debut in 2017 with a "strong conservation message." Manby said that customers in Southern California don't want to see the whales performing tricks and prefer a more "natural" experience. San Diego's SeaWorld may also scrap plans for a massive expansion of its killer whale environment. Manby cited concerns that pending regulations could hamper those plans. "I'm not willing to put $100 million into a market when there's regulatory questions," Manby said. California authorities banned breeding killer whales in captivity last month, and SeaWorld says it does not capture new animals from the wild. Theatrical killer whale shows will continue at other SeaWorld parks. SeaWorld announced the change at an investor conference. An earnings update last week left investors worried about the company's outlook. In the six days since then, its shares have plunged more than 10%. SeaWorld's reputation was badly damaged in part by "Blackfish," a 2013 documentary co-produced by CNNFilms. The film generated criticism from lawmakers and advocacy groups like PETA. Attendance at SeaWorld's theme parks has waned, and its San Diego park has been particularly troublesome. To help its boost the company's image, Manby also said the company will "aggressively communicate" its animal care and rescue efforts. SeaWorld is also planning new attractions and changes to its pricing.  Top stories The number of state universities will be reduced from 23 to 8 by 2030, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Zhanna Andreasyan has said. From September 21 to November 11, a total of 2,820 Russians registered at a place of residence in Armenia, the police has said. The situation on the contact line between Karabakh and Azerbaijan was relatively stable overnight, the Defense Army says. Defense Minister Suren Papikyan has visited the southern Armenian province of Syunik, the Defense Ministry reported on March 18.   Partner news |  Latest news Erdogan wants “realistic road map” for relations with Armenia  Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called for a “new realistic road map” for relations with Armenia.Armenia-Azerbaijan: Experts launch work on determining coordinates Expert groups from the countries started the process of determining the coordinates based on geodetic measurements.Yerevan says did not expect CSTO in peacekeeping role Pashinyan has declared that the CSTO would be expected to come to the Armenia-Azerbaijan border as an ally of ArmeniaHenrikh Mkhitaryan wins Serie A title with Inter Inter Milan midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan admits that the team have long been imagining clinching Serie A against AC Milan. |
