Apple Offers Free ‘Seals Hero’ Game, Turns Down Seal-Hunting App

In 2010, Apple blocked an app that let players beat, shoot, and kill virtual seals, but saving “seals” is fair game. Today, Apple launched a free iPhone app called Seals Hero, which allows users to save seals killed in Canada’s annual slaughter, highlighting how young generations look at seals as wonders of nature rather than living piñatas they can beat to death with a stick.

The gaming gurus at Australia-based Maiko Enterprises describe the app best:

Your mission is to save seals. You will control Cid, a smart, energetic, non-violent animal rights activist who uses speed and intelligence to race against the clock to save as many seals as he can while avoiding a number of obstacles. Seals Hero was created as a fun way to educate players about a serious issue and unite them worldwide against it.

Along the way, players learn how they can team up with PETA to speak out against the slaughter, which has been in massive decline in recent years following seal import bans in the EU, the U.S., Russia, and other countries.

iPhone users can download Seal Hero here, and everyone can visit CanadasShame.com for more ways to save seals.