PETA Runner Wins SeaWorld’s 5K Race, is Kicked Out for Pleading for Dolphins’ Freedom

For Immediate Release:
April 19, 2026

Contact:
Alex Payne 202-483-7382

SeaWorld’s annual Fins & Flippers 5K took an unexpected turn this morning when Starlynn Costa, a registered runner and PETA protest runner—won the women’s division and placed second overall while wearing a “SeaWorld Kills” shirt. Shortly after crossing the finish line and being publicly announced the winner, she was immediately removed by SeaWorld security while speaking out about the suffering of Corky, the longest‑held captive orca in the world. Photos and video of Costa crossing the finish line, being announced as the winner are available here.

Credit: PETA

“SeaWorld’s captive breeding program must end now, and Corky, who has suffered in captivity longer than any other living orca, must be retired to a reputable sanctuary where she can spend the rest of her life in peace,” Costa said before she was kicked out, without reason, by security. Once removed, Costa continued her peaceful demonstration at the park’s entrance, holding a sign that read “Dolphins Die Here!” while speaking with passersby about the suffering dolphins and whales endure at SeaWorld.

Corky—now approximately 60 years old—has been forced to perform for decades at SeaWorld in cramped, barren tanks where orcas and dolphins can do little more than swim in circles or float listlessly. More than 40 orcas and over 500 dolphins and whales have died in SeaWorld’s tanks, many far short of their natural lifespans.

“SeaWorld is racing to silence anyone who speaks out about Corky and the other marine mammals suffering at its parks, but as Starlynn Costa proved today, the truth can’t be outrun,” says PETA President Tracy Reiman. “PETA is calling on SeaWorld to retire these thinking, feeling beings to reputable sanctuaries, and urging the public to help them inch closer to freedom by steering clear of SeaWorld’s abusement parks.”

A recent poll conducted by Embold Research for PETA found that 77% of registered California voters support a total ban on breeding dolphins, and 74% want dolphins in marine parks moved to seaside sanctuaries.

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—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.