SeaWorld Orlando is set to be slammed with a surprising protest today.
For decades, SeaWorld has faced sustained criticism from animal rights groups over its treatment of captive orcas, dolphins, and other marine mammals. The backlash intensified after the 2013 documentary Blackfish, which scrutinized orca captivity – particularly that of Tilikum, who has since passed away – as well as its breeding practices and the psychological toll of confinement on animals used in performances.
In response to mounting pressure, SeaWorld ended its orca breeding program in 2016, meaning its current generation of killer whales will be its last. It has also phased out theatrical orca shows in favor of what it describes as “educational encounters.” Critics, including PETA, argue these changes failed to address the core issue: keeping highly intelligent, wide-ranging animals in artificial environments.
Animal welfare groups have also raised concerns about enclosure sizes, shortened lifespans in captivity, and the separation of orca pods. SeaWorld has consistently defended its care standards, citing veterinary oversight, conservation funding, and rescue work, but the debate has remained unresolved.
That long-running anger is coming to a head once again today, with protesters demanding the release of Corky, the oldest captive orca in the world.
Festive Protest Hits SeaWorld Orlando
According to PETA, a group of activists dressed as Santa Claus will gather outside SeaWorld Orlando to call for Corky’s transfer to a seaside sanctuary. Corky was captured in 1969 and has spent more than 50 years in captivity, making her a central symbol in campaigns against marine mammal entertainment.
“Corky should be exploring the open ocean with her family, but instead she’s been crammed into a concrete bathtub,” said PETA President Tracy Reiman in a public statement, urging the public to avoid parks that keep whales and dolphins in captivity.
The protest is scheduled for Saturday, December 13, at 12 noon, outside the SeaWorld main entrance at 7007 Sea World Drive in Orlando. Corky actually resides at SeaWorld San Diego.
Similar demonstrations have played out at SeaWorld repeatedly over the past decade, particularly during peak holiday periods. Protests have ranged from small activist gatherings to large-scale demonstrations coordinated with national campaigns, often drawing significant guest attention at the park’s entrance.
In parallel, SeaWorld has worked to reposition its Orlando resort away from a killer whale-centric identity. The company now markets the park as the “thrill capital of Orlando,” emphasizing roller coasters and attractions such as Mako (which was recently named in a lawsuit after a woman was struck by a duck and “disfigured” mid-ride), Manta, Ice Breaker, Pipeline: The Surf Coaster, and the Penguin Trek family coaster.
What do you think of SeaWorld’s decision to keep Corky in captivity?
