SeaWorld says it will end killer-whale breeding program

MIAMI -- SeaWorld announced Thursday it will stop breeding killer whales immediately, essentially phasing out the iconic orcas from its theme parks after years of controversy over keeping them in captivity.

Park attendance at SeaWorld dropped after the 2013 release of the documentary "Blackfish," which was highly critical of the orca program. SeaWorld reported a fourth-quarter loss of $11 million in February.

The company appeared to acknowledge the criticism had helped drive the decision to end the breeding program. It also announced it would stop using the orcas in theatrical shows in the parks, instead introducing "new, inspiring natural orca encounters."

"As society's understanding of orcas continues to change, SeaWorld is changing with it. By making this the last generation of orcas in our care and reimagining how guests will encounter these beautiful animals, we are fulfilling our mission of providing visitors to our parks with experiences that matter," said Joel Manby, president and chief executive officer of SeaWorld Entertainment Inc.

The new shows will begin next year at SeaWorld's San Diego park before expanding to its San Antonio park and then to the Orlando, Florida, park in 2019.

Orcas long have been a centerpiece of the SeaWorld parks, with shows at the Shamu stadium in San Diego becoming the park's main draw in the 1970s and helping make SeaWorld a top tourist attraction. The San Diego show was the original home of Shamu, SeaWorld's first orca.

In its statement making the announcement Thursday, the company said it also was forming a partnership with the Humane Society of the United States to help educate guests on animal welfare and conservation issues through interpretive programs at the parks and by expanded advocacy for wild whales, seals and other marine creatures.

"SeaWorld's commitment to end breeding of orcas is a long-held goal of many animal advocacy organizations, and we commend the company for making this game-changing commitment," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of the Humane Society.

Criticism over keeping killer whales in captivity increased in 2010 after an orca named Tilikum grabbed trainer Dawn Brancheau after a "Dine with Shamu" show and pulled her into the pool, killing her.