14 DAY TRIAL // It turns out documentary film “Blackfish,” which was released earlier this year, proved to be some sort of Pandora's box, at least as far as SeaWorld is concerned.
Following the documentary's release, SeaWorld was (and still is) heavily criticized for its treatment of animals. Its stock plummeted, and bad publicity became a thing of the day.
Well, it looks like bad news only keeps piling up for this marine park. According to Ecorazzi, PETA has asked that Florida State Attorney Jeffrey L. Ashton charge SeaWorld with animal cruelty, and make sure that the marine park pays for its treatment of Tilikum and other animals it currently keeps captive.
For those unaware, Tilikum is an orca presently living at SeaWorld Orlando, in Florida.
The marine mammal is the star of “Blackfish.” Long story short, the documentary tells the story of how, during his many years of captivity, the whale has been involved in the death of three people.
The folks who made “Blackfish,” together with PETA, believe that SeaWorld is the one to blame for these tragic incidents, and that Tilikum only became a killer because of all the stress it endured while in captivity.
“Florida law prohibits intentionally causing excessive or repeated unnecessary suffering—and SeaWorld knowingly subjects Tilikum to the constant stress, agitation, conflict, and injury inherent in keeping a far-ranging, highly social mammal in captivity,” PETA says.
“The state attorney has a duty to enforce Florida’s laws—and that includes the anti-cruelty statute that PETA believes SeaWorld flagrantly disregards,” the organization adds.
State Attorney Jeffrey L. Ashton has not yet responded to PETA's plea.