Orcas Take Over Baggage Claim at Orlando Airport

Published by Michelle Reynolds.

Passengers arriving at Orlando International Airport got a surprise on Tuesday when a pair of “orcas” climbed on top of the baggage carousels to lead a group of PETA members in calling on tourists to stay away from the cruel circus-style orca shows at SeaWorld this holiday season. One of the “orcas” was arrested and charged with misdemeanor trespass and taken to an Orange County jail.

'Orcas' protest at Orlando airport

'Orcas' protest at Orlando airport

The orcas wanted travelers to know that while the rest of us are enjoying the holidays with family, at least 19 orca mothers won’t be with their calves because SeaWorld tore them apart from one another.

'Orcas' protest at Orlando airport

And instead of traversing vast expanses of ocean every day with their families, orcas at SeaWorld are forced to float idly or swim in endless circles in tanks of chemically treated water and perform circus-style tricks for food. The constant stress takes its toll on the orcas, who exhibit abnormal behavior and die at a rate of nearly one per year and at much younger ages than orcas in nature typically do.

'Orcas' protest at Orlando airport

What You Can Do

Tell SeaWorld that all you want this holiday season is to see the animals retired to sanctuaries.

Get PETA Updates

Stay up to date on the latest vegan trends and get breaking animal rights news delivered straight to your inbox!

By submitting this form, you’re acknowledging that you have read and agree to our privacy policy and agree to receive e-mails from us.

 Ingrid E. Newkirk

“Almost all of us grew up eating meat, wearing leather, and going to circuses and zoos. We never considered the impact of these actions on the animals involved. For whatever reason, you are now asking the question: Why should animals have rights?” READ MORE

— Ingrid E. Newkirk, PETA President and co-author of Animalkind

Close

Monkeys don’t belong in laboratory cages.

By submitting this form, you’re acknowledging that you have read and agree to our privacy policy and agree to receive e-mails from us.

Close

Monkeys don’t belong in laboratory cages.

By submitting this form, you’re acknowledging that you have read and agree to our privacy policy and agree to receive e-mails from us.