Lawmakers Demand Immediate Action to Protect Killer Whales

The outcry against keeping killer whales in captivity is growing louder, as 38 members of Congress ask the U.S. Department of Agriculture to move quickly on new regulations for marine mammals.

The lawmakers, including 37 Democrats and one Republican, sent a letter outlining their concerns to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack on Thursday.

The letter specifically mentions the documentary Blackfish, which focuses on the death of SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheau in 2010 by killer whale Tilikum. The film, which questions the entire idea that killer whales should be kept in captivity for entertainment, was released in the U.S. in July 2013. Since then, the protest against captive killer whales has received increased attention, and celebrities like Bob Barker and Willie Nelson have spoken out against SeaWorld. Read more...