Statement From SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. In Response To Former Trainer's Allegations
SeaWorld responds to former senior killer whale trainer John Hargrove and others who have spoken out about the treatment of captive whales at SeaWorld.
Posted on Jun 7, 2019 | 06:00pm
SeaWorld is a top tourist attraction that promotes the idea that killer whales are thriving in captivity. John Hargrove was a senior killer whale trainer at SeaWorld, performing spectacular stunts with the ocean's top predator.
For years, he was living his dream job, but over time grew concerned about the mental and physical health of the whales. Hargrove ultimately left his job, joining forces with those who were trying to end killer whale captivity.
CBS reached out to SeaWorld for a comment and they provided the following statement.
STATEMENT:
"SeaWorld's more than 1,000 dedicated veterinarians, marine mammal scientists and animal care specialists devote their lives to the animals in our parks. They provide world-class care and treatment based on the latest and most advanced science and animal welfare standards.
We are proud of the care we provide to killer whales and every animal in our care and the contributions we make to the conservation of these magnificent animals in the wild through research, education and enhancing our overall understanding of the species.
Our animal care and rescue efforts are certified, supported or reviewed by objective third-party organizations including the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, American Humane Association, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the Department of Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service, the Department of Commerce's National Marine Fisheries Service, the Florida Fisheries and Wildlife Conservation Commission and others.
The hundreds of independent researchers, academic institutions, conservation organizations, and other accredited zoos and aquariums we work closely with can attest to the quality of care we provide and the important contributions and impact we make together on protecting animals in the wild.
Additionally, SeaWorld has helped rescue more than 34,000 animals who were sick, injured or in danger and makes critical contributions to conservation through groundbreaking research efforts that have a real and positive impact, including in the fight against rapidly declining global populations of wild killer whales.
We invite anyone concerned by a false and misleading narrative to join the millions of guests who visit SeaWorld each year and see first-hand the care and love that our animals receive."
Watch all-new episodes of Whistleblower on Fridays at 8/7c on CBS and CBS All Access.
For years, he was living his dream job, but over time grew concerned about the mental and physical health of the whales. Hargrove ultimately left his job, joining forces with those who were trying to end killer whale captivity.
CBS reached out to SeaWorld for a comment and they provided the following statement.
STATEMENT:
"SeaWorld's more than 1,000 dedicated veterinarians, marine mammal scientists and animal care specialists devote their lives to the animals in our parks. They provide world-class care and treatment based on the latest and most advanced science and animal welfare standards.
We are proud of the care we provide to killer whales and every animal in our care and the contributions we make to the conservation of these magnificent animals in the wild through research, education and enhancing our overall understanding of the species.
Our animal care and rescue efforts are certified, supported or reviewed by objective third-party organizations including the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, American Humane Association, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the Department of Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service, the Department of Commerce's National Marine Fisheries Service, the Florida Fisheries and Wildlife Conservation Commission and others.
The hundreds of independent researchers, academic institutions, conservation organizations, and other accredited zoos and aquariums we work closely with can attest to the quality of care we provide and the important contributions and impact we make together on protecting animals in the wild.
Additionally, SeaWorld has helped rescue more than 34,000 animals who were sick, injured or in danger and makes critical contributions to conservation through groundbreaking research efforts that have a real and positive impact, including in the fight against rapidly declining global populations of wild killer whales.
We invite anyone concerned by a false and misleading narrative to join the millions of guests who visit SeaWorld each year and see first-hand the care and love that our animals receive."
Watch all-new episodes of Whistleblower on Fridays at 8/7c on CBS and CBS All Access.