Community Corner

Issue: Is 'Blackfish' Documentary Bringing Shame to Shamu and SeaWorld?

The film critical of killer whale captivity debuted Friday at La Jolla Village Cinemas and in Hillcrest.

Blackfish, the documentary about the 2010 death of a SeaWorld trainer in Orlando, is making waves. Critics and supporters of killer whale captivity are having their say. Monday, The New York Times took a careful look at the film—just days after it debuted at La Jolla Village Cinemas and in Hillcrest.

SeaWorld communications VP Fred Jacobs has been spamming film critics with a memo that ends: “SeaWorld is proud of its legacy of supporting marine science and environmental awareness in general and the cause of killer whales in particular. Our point in sending you this note is to make you aware that what Blackfish presents as unvarnished reality is anything but.”

When trainer Dawn Brancheau was dragged underwater by the Orca called Tilikum, it sparked federal fines and OSHA edicts.  Now the movie is taking aim at Shamu’s fan base. Protests outside San Diego SeaWorld could cut into gate receipts.

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Will Blackfish besmirch SeaWorld’s reputation—and jeopardize San Diego tourism?  Or will the movie barely make a blip in public attention?  Share your thoughts in the comments. 

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