PETA Statement re: SeaWorld’s Challenge of California Coastal Commission Ban on Orca Breeding

For Immediate Release:
October 15, 2015

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

“SeaWorld is blowing smoke. The California Coastal Commission acted fully within its authority when, as a condition of its approval of building new tanks, it placed a ban on breeding orcas, and PETA commends the agency for doing what is right and ethical. The California Coastal Commission’s jurisdiction over marine mammals is expansive. Although the Coastal Act focuses on protecting open spaces and wildlife in their native state, it contains no limiting language that excludes captive wildlife. Rather, the legislature required the Commission to protect all resources that exist within the coastal zone, as the orcas at SeaWorld plainly do. The Act applies to both ‘natural and artificial resources,’ whether they are in public or private hands. The Commission has exercised its jurisdiction over every part of the coast, from pristine preserves to ‘abandoned and decaying’ industrial areas. Just as the Commission still controls natural spaces that have been spoiled, it retains jurisdiction over wild orcas, whether captured or captive born.”

— PETA Foundation Director of Animal Law Jared Goodman