In 2017, SeaWorld intends to replace the longstanding whale shows at its San Diego park with a different orca experience that would bring with it "a conservation message inspiring people to act," according to a company document posted on its website.
It remains unclear if the productions will continue at the company's other parks in Orlando, Florida, and San Antonio, Texas. The decision to phase out the shows in San Diego is the result of customer feedback, a company representative said.
"People love companies that have a purpose, even public companies -- I don't have to tell you what Whole Foods stands for. I don't see any reason SeaWorld can't be one of those brands," Joel Manby, SeaWorld's president and CEO, said at an investor's day conference on November 9, 2015. "We're not there today," he added.