Dilemmas Depicted In The Film 'Blackfish'

Sea World Dilemma Though Sea World is using the orcas for entertainment, profit, and and education, their work is harmful to the orcas and trainers as shown in the informative film “Blackfish”. Orcas are large mammals who are not meant to be pets and should not be treated as so. The unnatural being of the confined spaces SeaWorld’s orcas are held in effect the natural being of the orcas. Such unnatural treatment can lead to negative effects on the orcas physical and emotional wellbeing. Also, though SeaWorld did not personally illegally capture Tilikum from the wild, they bought it from an illegal capturer which goes again the message and purpose of SeaWorld. The work of SeaWorld is harmful to the orcas and the trainers. In the wild orcas travel in families, but at SeaWorld orcas are separated, and are from different families, which communicate in different ways. “Dold and other SeaWorld supporters say sea pens could expose killer whales to ocean toxins, viruses and harsh weather. They say long-captive orcas can’t withstand these conditions”(3). This is an example of how extensive captivity causes dilemmas in how the orcas can be handled as they are no longer able to withstand certain parts of their natural habitat. As a result, the orcas currently living in captivity are stuck there unable to leave, with either

Orcas are large mammals who live in families in large open waters. Consequently, being stuck in such confined spaces can drive them mad and lead to violent actions. “Confined to unnatural social groups for the convenience of their owners, bored and restless, forced to perform tricks for food that trainer withheld as punishment, they occasionally slipped, he writes, ‘into the dark side’”(1). Based on the quote from previous trainer Hargrove, it is clear that the orcas’ physical and emotional needs are being surrendered to the show business of