Members held a protest Saturday in front of AAA office in Frederick.
Frederick, Md (KM) There were demonstrators in front of the AAA office on Buckeystown Pike in Frederick on Saturday. The event sponsored by PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) included a crying, chained orca in tow. The demonstrators were protesting the treatment of orcas by SeaWorld..
“PETA is urging AAA to stop promoting SeaWorld where sensitive marine mammals are confined to tiny concrete tanks, grouped incompatibly and denied the opportunity to engage in almost any natural behavior,” says PETA Campaigner Tricia Lebkuecher.
SeaWorld operates theme parks in a few locations around the country, which features captured marine mammals such as orcas. They are often known as killer whales, even though they are part of the dolphin family.
Lebkuecher says orcas in capacity are treated poorly by SeaWorld. “Orcas are held in tiny concrete tanks filled with chemically treated water. They rarely get to live with another member of their family. They either live in lonely isolation or with orcas they can fight with. They’re given anti-anxiety drugs to relieve the stress of captivity and the endless monotony of swimming in small circles,” she says.
And this has an impact on the health of these marine mammals, says Lebkeucher. “Because of their constant deprivation, animals confined at SeaWorld often become neurotic, self-destructive and dangerous,” she says. “At least 40 ocras have died at SeaWorld and not one of them has come close to the maximum life expectancy for orcas in the wild.”
“Jet Blue, STA Travel, Taco Bell and dozens of other companies have already severed ties with SeaWorld, and it’s time for AAA to do the right thing and cut their ties with this abusive company,” Lebkuecher concludes.
Representatives at SeaWorld have told other media outlets that the orcas held by the company are given all the food they need, along with exercise and veterinary care. They also live in the company of other orcas, and receive mental stimulation. SeaWorld also says the ocras adapt very well to a zoological setting.
By Kevin McManus