SeaWorld Adventure Parks main attraction: Killer Whales
Photo Source: Retrieved on October 23, 2014
Kathleen’s Blog on SeaWorld’s controversial captivity of orcas captured my attention since I am a huge fan of the documentary, Blackfish. The documentary puts a light on the company’s utter lack of corporate social responsibility (“CSR”) and calls into question its ethical standards.
SeaWorld is renowned for its aquariums of magnificent sea creatures, however, with increasing awareness of the harm to animals in captivity, the business is slowly losing appreciation from the mass media. CSR has become a modern trend to keep businesses afloat, and SeaWorld is falling behind. Its standards of living for their animals are despicable and studies show the orcas in captivity at SeaWorld have shortened life spans and issues with aggression when compared to the whales in the wild. As presented in the film’s trailer, SeaWorld neglected to inform its trainers of the danger they were in when working with the orcas, especially Tilikum, who had previously shown signs of aggression. SeaWorld, driven by the profit orcas could make the company, neglected to take precautionary measures to avoid the risk these killer whales posed. After, the death of one of their trainers, the company blamed the incident on the trainer in order to protect themselves from the potential of both a decrease in shares and an increase in regulation. The corporation feared a loss of profits, after several years of growth and wealth due to the majestic animals. The company put capital ahead of ethics.
SeaWorld’s breach of ethics and lack of CSR, lead to increased media attention sparked by Blackfish. The company’s leadership faced scrutiny for its unethical treatment of both its employees and animals. Due to bad press, increased awareness of SeaWorld’s orca incidences, and the ever increasing popularity of CSR, the company’s stocks plunged to a record low proving that modern day investors and consumers place a great importance on CSR and high ethical standards.
Orca in the Wild
Photo Source: Retrieved on October 23, 2014