Wash. State Mulls Ban on Capture of Killer Whales for Entertainment

"Washington state senators held a hearing on Thursday to consider banning the increasingly controversial capture or holding of killer whales for entertainment.

More than half of the approximately 455 orcas taken for captivity originated in Washington state but the practice has come under more scrutiny following the 2013 documentary, 'Blackfish,' which described the capture of orcas and how one killed a trainer at SeaWorld in Orlando, Florida.

Today, 57 orcas are in captivity in 14 marine parks in eight countries, including 25 in SeaWorld parks in Florida, California and Texas, according to a sponsor of the legislation, State Senator Kevin Ranker, D-Orcas Island."

Laura Zuckerman reports for Reuters February 5, 2015.

SEE ALSO:

"Bill To Ban Whale Captivity Highlights Washington State’s History With the Issue" (Seattle Times)