How a documentary shook the theme park industry

The story of SeaWorld

Chapter 1

The splashy beginnings of marine parks

Chapter 2

The biology and behavior of killer whales

Chapter 3

The Blackfish effect and the great pivot

Chapter 4

Beyond the shows: Rescue and rehabilitation

YOUR GOAL

Master of The story of SeaWorld

Ch 3 · The Blackfish effect and the great pivot
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gus The tragic story of Tilikum

Jul 14

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gus The decision to end the orca breeding program

Jun 8

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The decision to end the orca breeding program

gus Under intense public pressure, SeaWorld announced the end of its theatrical orca breeding program in 2016.

Jun 8

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How a documentary shook the theme park industry

gus The 2013 documentary Blackfish exposed captive orca conditions, causing public outcry and falling attendance.

Jun 8

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breeding to rides
BETA

gus Match each marine animal pair to discover the journey from breeding to rides.

Jun 8

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Fun Fact

Orca size: Tilikum was the largest killer whale in captivity, weighing over 12,000 pounds.

Jun 8

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Glossary
orca (noun)
A large toothed whale with distinctive black-and-white markings and a prominent dorsal fin. Following a critical 2013 documentary, SeaWorld ended its captive breeding program and phased out theatrical shows.

Jun 8

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Gossip

Do you prefer animal exhibits or roller coasters?

Jun 8

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Quiz

What is the title of the 2013 documentary that criticized SeaWorld's treatment of orcas?

Jun 8

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gus How a documentary shook the theme park industry

Jun 8

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Quiz

Who directed the documentary Blackfish?

Jun 8

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gus Reimagining the park with roller coasters

Jun 8

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Quiz

In what year did SeaWorld announce it would officially end its orca breeding program?

Jun 8

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Quiz

Where was the massive male orca Tilikum originally captured in 1983?

Jun 8

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Quiz

Which shark-themed roller coaster, opened in 2016, is one of Orlando's tallest and fastest?

Jun 8

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Quiz

Which experienced SeaWorld trainer tragically lost her life to the orca Tilikum in 2010?

Jun 8

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Quiz

What rule did the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforce after 2010?

Jun 8

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Quiz

What type of roller coaster is Pipeline, which opened at SeaWorld Orlando in 2023?

Jun 8