Uh-Oh for SeaWorld, Calif. May Ban Orcas in Captivity

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Proposed legislation in California that would ban keeping killer whales in captivity may spell trouble for SeaWorld Entertainment (SEAS).

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The new proposed legislation, called the Orca Welfare and Safety Act, would place strict limitations and bans on keeping killer whales in captivity. If the legislation passes, SeaWorld would be unable to keep killer whales in captivity and would have to release them into the ocean or a sea pen, reports TakePart.

“In their natural habitat, orcas are family-oriented, highly adaptable, socially complex with cultural traditions and (are among) the most intelligent creatures on this planet,” State Assemblymember Richard Bloom, who will introduce the bill, told U-T San Diego. “If we truly want to help orca conservation, we should focus our efforts on restoring habitat in the wild and protecting our oceans,”

The bill would also block artificial insemination and wouldn’t allow killer whales or killer whale seamen to be transported across state lines. If any parts of the bill were broken, the violator would face a $100,000 fine and would potentially spend six months in jail, TakePart notes.

SEAS stock was down 5% as of Friday morning.

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