SeaWorld Will Phase Out Breeding Of Orcas

SeaWorld Entertainment Inc (NYSE: SEAS) said it would stop breeding killer whales, or orcas, handing out a major victory to animal welfare groups.

"The company will end all orca breeding as of today," SeaWorld said in a statement. The orcas currently in the company's care will be the last generation of orcas at SeaWorld.

This is a major victory for animal welfare groups such as the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) who were demanding SeaWorld end its orca breeding program after a documentary named Blackfish exposed SeaWorld's treatment of its killer whales. The documentary analyzed the death of SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheau, who was killed by an orca named Tilikum.

"As society's understanding of orcas continues to change, SeaWorld is changing with it," Joel Manby, President and Chief Executive Officer of SeaWorld said in a statement.

"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 HSUS.

SeaWorld said it will introduce new natural orca encounters, rather than theatrical shows, beginning at its San Diego park next year, followed by San Antonio and then Orlando in 2019.

The company also said it would spend $50 million over the next five years to campaign for an end to the commercial killing of whales and seals and an end to shark finning.

Shares closed Wednesday at $17.11. They have dropped 14 percent this year.