Just read that out of the seven tanks at #seaworld only two are deeper than #tilikum is longer. #sad #cruel #shocking #orcas #killerwhales #cetaceans #sealife #marine #parks #freedom #follow #f4f #free #animalrights #wrong #barbaric #hastostop #whales
The tanks look huge to people, but to a multi-ton apex predator who travels 100 or more miles per day, it’s about the equivalent of a dog kennel.
Navy sonar ’ did cause mass dolphin deaths ’ say scientists who blame war …
(via freedomforwhales)
I went to SeaWorld a couple of days ago to go see Shamu’s show. Before the show started one of the trainers accidentally hit the button to release the whales. So there were about five killer whales just swimming around the tank and no matter how many times the trainers would blow their training whistles, the whales would not come back. This one particular whale decided to just lay on the platform of the tank.The trainers were trying to lure him back with fish but he would get the fish and go right back to the platform, which postponed the show for about two hours. So I guess what I’m trying to say is that if you weigh about eight tons, put the word “killer” in front of your name, and have a hell of an attitude, you can do just about anything.
I doubt the facility or any of the trainers got the ‘message’ the Orcas were sending.
^^^
Captivity is about separation and exclusion. It is about the destruction of families and communities. For wild caught animals, many watch their parents and family killed in front of them at a young age so that they won’t be able to put up a fight to defend them from capture. For the animals bred in captivity at Marineland, those parents routinely watch as their offspring suffer and die in infancy.
There are no heart warming stories for Mother’s Day at Marineland. There are endless sad stories, but none may be more pressing and sad than that of Kiska. Marineland’s last remaining Orca, Kiska was wild caught from Iceland in the 1980’s. At Marineland, Kiska is the longest serving resident and she has seen dozens of Orcas come and go - and estimated 14 other Orcas die. Of those 14, 5 of them have been her own children. The oldest surviving just 6 years.
Since the removal of Ikaika back to SeaWorld she has spent her days alone. Ex-trainers have spoken publicly about their concern for her and Marineland itself have gone on public legal record establishing their concern for the health of their lone Orca held in solitary.
Kiska’s story is the story of captivity. She has survived, but at what cost? Her life has been painfully sad, she is alone and completely dependent upon humans - humans who are only interested in her as an “asset.”
There is no human need to hold other animals in captivity. There is no human need to gawk at or to turn other animals into mere commodities and spectacles. We will fight to remove Kiska and all of the other animals at Marineland and to ensure no more captives for John Holer!
Photo Credit: Natalie Lucier
(via caong)
NEWPORT, OR (KPTV) - Orcas have arrived on the Oregon coast, but scientists say these are not the so-called “friendly” killer whales.
Instead, they are in the Pacific Northwest to feed on baby gray whales.
Experts say as another gray whale migration is gathering steam and heading north with newborns in tow, these ominous pods of killer whales are quick to follow.
The Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife said they’ve been seen as far north as Tillamook Bay and Lincoln City in April. Other reports have come from tourists in Newport and Depoe Bay.
These orcas are considered a bit of a mystery, because scientists don’t know where they are coming from.
They also look different than most killer whales. They are smaller and more shark-like in appearance, according to wildlife workers.
They gather in smaller groups and come to the Oregon coast chasing baby whales, seals and sea lions.
Typically, they will stay for a few weeks, but some years they have lingered into early summer.
According to the Whale Watch Center, if you’re going to try and see an orca, it’s best to shoot for spotting gray whales first.
It will require a lot of patience and a high vantage point. ODFW suggests your chances of spotting any whale are much greater on days with less turbulent waves.
You can also call the Newport Chamber for advice on whales in the area: 1-800-262-7844.
(via freedomforwhales)
The tricks are not performed because they enjoy doing them. First you find out how much they’ll eat and still work. After that you condition the dolphin to associate certain hand signals with certain tricks that will result in the dolphin getting fish. You then find out if they are loners or prefer company because one of the punishments if they are not working properly is to lock them away on their own. You put them in a pen and ignore them. It’s like psychological torture.
