As promised, SeaWorld has filed a lawsuit in a bid to overturn a decision to ban killer whale breeding programs at its San Diego park.
In October the California Coastal Commission granted a $100 million expansion of SeaWorld’s orca tanks in San Diego, but only on condition its ends orca breeding.
In its filing SeaWorld claims the Commission does not have legal jurisdiction to ban future breeding.
The agency regulates costal land and water use in California, but SeaWorld argues its orcas are not part of the marine environment as they were all born in captivity.
The company says it hasn’t taken killer whales from the wild in 30 years.
"The orcas are not, in any way, part of the coastal or marine environment. All of SeaWorld’s activities with respect to the care, breeding and transportation of orcas occur onshore in the orca pools and not in the marine environment and are specifically governed by federal law, SeaWorld said in the filing.
The company recently said it would end theatrical orca shows in San Diego in favour of more natural displays, although they would continue at its Florida and Texas parks which are not affected by the California breeding ban.
