SeaWorld to phase out controversial killer whale display in San DiegoNovember 10, 2015 - 11:22 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - SeaWorld is closing the curtain on killer whale shows at its San Diego park next year, CNN reports. The company said Monday, November 9 it plans to reinvent the attraction that's been the center of animal-cruelty claims against SeaWorld (SEAS). Shows at the San Diego park will stop by the end of 2016, said CEO Joel Manby, while a "new orca experience" will debut in 2017 with a "strong conservation message." Manby said that customers in Southern California don't want to see the whales performing tricks and prefer a more "natural" experience. San Diego's SeaWorld may also scrap plans for a massive expansion of its killer whale environment. Manby cited concerns that pending regulations could hamper those plans. "I'm not willing to put $100 million into a market when there's regulatory questions," Manby said. California authorities banned breeding killer whales in captivity last month, and SeaWorld says it does not capture new animals from the wild. Theatrical killer whale shows will continue at other SeaWorld parks. SeaWorld announced the change at an investor conference. An earnings update last week left investors worried about the company's outlook. In the six days since then, its shares have plunged more than 10%. SeaWorld's reputation was badly damaged in part by "Blackfish," a 2013 documentary co-produced by CNNFilms. The film generated criticism from lawmakers and advocacy groups like PETA. Attendance at SeaWorld's theme parks has waned, and its San Diego park has been particularly troublesome. To help its boost the company's image, Manby also said the company will "aggressively communicate" its animal care and rescue efforts. SeaWorld is also planning new attractions and changes to its pricing. Photo: Image Broker/REX Related links: Top stories David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has met with Stephan Schütz, Executive Partner at Gerkan, Marg and Partners. The number of state universities will be reduced from 23 to 8 by 2030, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Zhanna Andreasyan has said. From September 21 to November 11, a total of 2,820 Russians registered at a place of residence in Armenia, the police has said. Partner news | Armenia PM meets Iran’s Supreme Leader in Tehran Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a meeting with Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Seyyed Ali Khamenei Ruling MP accuses opposition of “serving other countries' interests” Khachatur Sukiasyan has accused Armenia’s opposition of serving the interests of other countries Heads of Armenian, Ukrainian parliaments hold virtual talks Alen Simonyan and Ruslan Stefanchuk held talks via video conference on Tuesday, May 21. Pashinyan travels to Iran to pay tribute to Raisi, others Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has left for the Islamic Republic of Iran on a working visit. |