SeaWorld to challenge ban on orca breeding at San Diego marine park
SeaWorld has announced that it will take legal action in the US against the California Coastal Commission following a recent court decision that would ban killer whale breeding at SeaWorld San Diego.
Just a few days ago, the Commission agreed to plans allowing SeaWorld to expand its San Diego marine park. But, at the same time, the court imposed major restrictions – one of which being a complete ban on the breeding of orcas at the park, which currently holds 11 whales.
SeaWorld will now fight that ban on the grounds that animal welfare is governed by federal and state laws that do not fall within the jurisdiction of the California Coastal Commission’s appointed board. This latest announcement is seen by many as a desperate attempt by SeaWorld to save the project and the park. Without the ability to breed, big doubts would remain over the long-term viability of the project, and it could mean that the remaining orcas are the last ones that would ever be held in captivity at the San Diego facility.
