Regulators have approved SeaWorld San Diego’s $100 million project to expand its orca tanks but it could still mean the beginning of the end for its killer whales in captivity.
The California Coastal Commission granted approval of the Blue World Project which includes the construction of a new 5.2-million gallon tank and pool but banned any breeding of captive whales.
It also outlawed the transferring of orcas from other parks.
The San Diego park currently houses 11 orcas.
"These 11 orcas would be the last 11 orcas there," said Jared Goodman, lawyer for activist group People from the Ethical Treatment of Animals.
Under the ruling, all breeding, including by artificial insemination, would be banned but does not cover other SeaWorld parks.
SeaWorld voiced its opposition to the conditions attached to the expansion plans.
"We are disappointed with the conditions that the California Coastal Commission placed on their approval of the Blue World Project and will carefully review and consider our options. Breeding is a natural, fundamental and important part of an animal’s life and depriving a social animal of the right to reproduce is inhumane," SeaWorld said.
John Reilly, president of SeaWorld San Diego added: "A ban on breeding would sentence these animals to a slow extinction in our care."
The decision came after a full day of impassioned speeches by both supporters and opponents of the project.
Among those opposing the project was Baywatch actress Pamela Anderson wearing a T-shirt with the words ‘SeaWorld kills.’
The actress accused SeaWorld of ‘clinging desperately to the past.’
SeaWorld San Diego president Reilly told the commission the company had received more than 50,000 letters of support and strong backing from 300 zoos and aquariums.
