The Blackfish Documentary and Its Effect on Sea World Essay Example

being attacked by Tilikum and other captive whales (Collin).

The Impact of Animal Captivity:

The documentary sparked differing reactions, with some criticizing its inaccuracies and deceptive portrayal, while others deemed it worth investigating. Nonetheless, a definitive result is that it changes viewers' viewpoints on the confinement of animals. It remains crucial to recognize that these creatures rightfully belong in their native environments.

There is uncertainty regarding the ability of animals and humans to peacefully coexist. It is crucial to recognize that humans and animals have differing emotional experiences and reactions. In an interview on guardian.com, Peter Bradshaw unveils that although humans display love and gratitude towards animals, it may not be essential for animals to receive these gestures. Being wild creatures, their thoughts and feelings are unpredictable (Collin).

Animals have their own unique way of responding to animals, similar to humans. The attempt to reconcile these two to suit human desires is absurd. When animals are taken from their natural habitats and thrust into confined human environments, we disrupt the very essence and rhythm of their existence. In such situations, these animals activate a survival mechanism in their brains, commonly known as the beast mode.

According to Peter Bradshaw's interview, the actions of humans have pushed Killer whales to their breaking point, resulting in borderline psychotic breakdowns that can be dangerously fatal (Lange). The documentary "Blackfish" explains how these whales are captured from the wild and confined to smaller pools, such as those at Sea World. In this environment, it is discovered that every new whale brought into the pool is attacked by the others, leading to a buildup of aggression that they do not know how to

release (Cowperthwaite).

In a typical situation, a whale would change its direction of swimming upon detecting aggression from others. However, this becomes challenging when the whale is confined to a pool. The documentary showcases the whale's attempt to take a significant swim but encountering a wall at the pool's edge. This experience leads to a growing sense of frustration.

Cowperthwaite’s main concept is to raise awareness about the exploitation of whales being kept in captivity for entertainment purposes, along with the potential dangers faced by trainers who work with these animals. She particularly focuses on the Sea World Organization, an entertainment institution that offers individuals the chance to observe and interact with these animals within a controlled and secure environment ("Blackfish (Film)"). According to Dr. S leger, a research scientist specializing in animal behavior, whales held in confinement experience certain effects such as separation of calves from their mothers in order to make room.

As a result of separation, the bond and crucial influence that a baby whale should have from its mother are forever lost. This leads to emotional deformity in the baby whale, causing it to grow into a manipulated human version of an animal rather than a real whale. Confining whales also has the effect of making them lose their innate sense of hearing and ability to relate to sound like whales naturally do. This is because they are confined to loud music and noisy crowds of people, which resonates back to their sensitive ears within the confined tank instead of traveling for miles in a specific pattern in the sea (Grimm). When humans capture these animals from their natural habitat, they often fail

to realize that, just like humans, these animals possess unique traits that classify and differentiate them from other whales in their family.

In different geographical areas, whales form their own "tribes" or "clans". When mixed in confined facilities, they are compelled to create their own language for communication, which can be challenging. Upon returning to their original habitats, they struggle to assimilate with other whales. Additionally, being fed human food in captivity replaces their innate hunting behavior.

By preventing the development of their brains, humans hinder their ability to communicate and ultimately "destroy a culture" (Leger, "Blackfish (Film)"). The young whales, known as Ocas, are unable to acquire the skills necessary to perform tricks in their natural habitat and instead rely on imitating behaviors taught by humans. Rather than learning on their own, they are controlled and molded to exhibit specific behaviors.

Trainers' efforts to train animals and shape their traits are insufficient due to the artificial environments they are confined in. These settings, despite attempts to recreate a natural appearance, fail to replicate the animals' original habitats accurately. As a result, the animals cannot fully develop and flourish. In their authentic oceanic habitat, they acquire essential survival skills and self-defense knowledge. Conversely, within trainers' enclosures, they already have protection provided for them, which inhibits their motivation for excellence (Samantha).

Conclusion

The act of trying to connect humans and animals in an unattractive way is ignorant. It's crucial to recognize that every creation in the universe, including humans and animals, was given its own means of survival - whether physical, emotional, or psychological. Humans should prioritize protecting animals in their natural habitats and preventing harm caused by ignorance and

selfishness. A prime example is understanding that disposing pollutants into the sea has a significant impact on the lives of these creatures.

Bradshaw argues that it is both unnecessary and self-centered to alter the living conditions of animals and imprison them for the sole purpose of studying their behavior in comparison to humans. Instead, we should value and imitate their natural way of life, allowing them to exist as they were meant to. Those who go against the laws of nature should face significant consequences, regardless of whether they are individuals, institutions, or organizations. Inspired by Gabriel Cowperthwaite's documentary, legislation was proposed in New York with the aim of banning the confinement of young whales.

California State Assembly Man Richard Bloom introduced the Oca Welfare and Safety act bill in March 2014, which aims to ban the captivity of Ocas and whales for entertainment purposes. The bill also requires the release of all currently captive whales back into their natural habitats. In June 2014, Us congressman Adam Schiff and Jared Huffman proposed an amendment bill to the Agriculture Appropriations Act, seeking a review of animal rights legislation related to animal captivity (Samantha). On March 17th, 2016, Sea World Company announced its decision to stop breeding Ocas at all its marine park locations and gradually phase out Killer whale shows. This decision was made under increasing pressure from multiple sources such as the Animal Rights Association, animal welfare advocates, and the general public.

These are only a few examples of genuine patriotism, as citizens of Earth, where we believe in the right of every living being to exist freely. We also acknowledge Gabriel Cowperthwaite's bravery and resilience in raising

awareness about the issues in our animal world. It has truly had an impact.

Work Cited

• "Blackfish (Film)". (2016): Single page. Web. 10 May 2016.
• Bradshaw, Peter. "Peter Bradshaw | The Guardian." The Guardian. N.p., 6 May 2016. Web. 10 May 2016.
• Collin, Robbie.

"Blackfish Review: 'Coldly Compelling'" The Telegraph. N.p., 2014. Web. 10 May 2016.

The breeding of orcas by Seaworld has been halted, as reported in a 2016 article titled "As Seaworld Stops Breeding Orcas, What Are The Impacts For Research?" published in Science. This discontinuation of breeding raises concerns about the possible effects on research.

10 May 2016.