As Six Flags Shares Sink, PETA, a Stockholder, Proposes Phase-Out of Discovery Kingdom Dolphin Exhibit

For Immediate Release:
October 14, 2026

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

As Six Flags Entertainment Corporation faces a sharp decline in its share price and increased scrutiny from investors and the public, shareholder PETA sent a letter today urging CEO John Reilly to eliminate a controversy entirely within the company’s control: the confinement of dolphins at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo.

PETA purchased Six Flags stock earlier this year to press company leaders to end swim-with-dolphin encounters and move the dolphins at Discovery Kingdom to seaside sanctuaries. At the Vallejo park, dolphins are confined to cramped concrete tanks, forced to perform tricks, and subjected to stressful and dangerous hands-on encounters in which visitors grab and hold onto them. A nationwide survey commissioned by PETA and conducted by The Harris Poll among 2,001 U.S. adults found that 92% believe dolphins belong in the ocean, not in tanks, and 80% support releasing the dolphins currently held at marine parks and resorts when possible or sending them to seaside sanctuaries. In the letter, PETA asks Six Flags to immediately end all swim-with-dolphin encounters and commit to sending the dolphins to seaside sanctuaries.

“Six Flags can’t undo recent events, but it can decide what kind of company it wants to be moving forward,” says PETA President Tracy Reiman. “People want dolphins out of tanks, and Six Flags has the power to make it happen. PETA is calling on the company to end dolphin encounters and give these animals the chance to experience the ocean at a seaside sanctuary.”

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to use for entertainment”—points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.

PETA’s letter to Reilly follows.

October 14, 2026

John Reilly

CEO

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation

Dear Mr. Reilly:

I’m writing on behalf of PETA and our millions of members and supporters worldwide following this week’s steep decline in Six Flags’ stock. We were saddened to learn of the recent tragedy at the Georgia park and extend our sympathies to all those affected. During difficult moments such as these, companies often reflect on the values they wish to embody moving forward. As a shareholder, we urge Six Flags to take action to prevent harm that is squarely within its control by committing to sending the dolphins at Discovery Kingdom to seaside sanctuaries.

Public sentiment towards dolphin confinement has shifted dramatically. A recent nationwide survey commissioned by PETA and conducted by The Harris Poll found that 92% of Americans think dolphins belong in the ocean, not in tanks, and 80% support releasing the dolphins currently held at marine parks and resorts when possible or sending them to seaside sanctuaries. Additionally, 57% of Americans would view a marine park or resort negatively after learning that it keeps dolphins for entertainment, while 63% would have a more positive opinion of one that committed to sending dolphins to seaside sanctuaries.

These highly intelligent, socially complex animals can swim dozens of miles each day in the ocean, yet those at Discovery Kingdom remain confined to barren concrete enclosures where they’re forced to perform or interact with the public. Experts agree that these animals exhibit a range of welfare problems, including stress, disease, health issues, and behavioral abnormalities due to conditions of confinement. As companies across the travel industry continue to distance themselves from dolphin entertainment, Six Flags is increasingly finding itself on the wrong side of history.

A commitment to help dolphins would show the public that Six Flags is prepared to evolve rather than cling to an outdated business model. May we please hear that you’ll immediately end all swim-with-dolphin encounters and commit to sending the dolphins to seaside sanctuaries?

Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Tracy Reiman

President