SeaWorld Phasing Out 'Shamu' Killer Whale Show Amid Pressure From Animal Advocates
SAN DIEGO (CBS SF) -- Marine theme park Sea World announced it is going to phase out its long-running 'Shamu' the killer whale show.
The park has come under fire for it's treatment of orcas by animal rights activists.
The announcement is considered a small victory for advocates for marine mammals.
Last week in Vallejo, animal welfare activists rallied outside Six Flags Discovery Kingdom over the treatment of dolphins there.
Advocates for Animals alleges 43 dolphins have died in the park since 1997.
Last month, the California Coastal Commission voted to deny SeaWorld's right to breed orcas. The theme park vowed to challenge the ban but animal rights activists considered death blow to the use of killer whales at the California park.
"SeaWorld is blowing smoke," said Jared Goodman, an attorney with People from the Ethical Treatment of Animals.
According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, the announced phase-out of the killer whale show "was part of a a comprehensive strategy to re-position the company."
The park says it will replace the old orca show with another exhibition that will debut in 2017.