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Star Glam Gazette

What did SeaWorld do in response to Blackfish?

Author

Matthew Wilson

Updated on June 20, 2026

One year after the release of Blackfish, SeaWorld’s stock market price fell by 33%. The company deployed an aggressive marketing campaign to restore its image following the documentary, culminating with the launch of a new orca show in 2017, focused on educating the public about orca conservation.

How much did SeaWorld attendance drop after Blackfish?

After the 2013 documentary “Blackfish” raised concerns about SeaWorld’s treatment of orca whales and trainers, the negative publicity contributed to an 11 percent decline in attendance over the next four years.

Why do you think SeaWorld refused to be interviewed for the film?

SeaWorld declined to comment or be interviewed for this documentary. The ruling in the case was that trainer must remain behind barriers, separated from the orcas. At the time of the movie SeaWorld had appealed this decision and the whale Tilikum remained in captivity.

Is SeaWorld still breeding orcas 2021?

SeaWorld finally acknowledged the significant shift in public opinion on orca captivity and made its historic announcement that the current generation of orcas at SeaWorld will be its last.

How many people stop at SeaWorld after Blackfish?

In the year following Blackfish’s release, SeaWorld’s attendance dropped by one million visitors. In 2014, the company announced a 84% fall in income and saw its share price drop by 33%. Although SeaWorld attributed this to “the seasonal nature of the business”, the media largely blamed Blackfish.

What happened to killer whale at SeaWorld?

The 6-year-old female orca named Amaya died Thursday and the cause of death will not be known until results of a post-mortem examination are complete, which could take weeks, SeaWorld’s statement said. Her death was sudden and unexpected,” it said.

Why did Gabriela Cowperthwaite create Blackfish?

Cowperthwaite, 45, began working on “Blackfish” in 2010 following the death of Dawn Brancheau, a SeaWorld trainer who was dragged underwater to her death by an orca. Cowperthwaite was disturbed by the news and began exploring the idea of making a movie about what it was like to work as a killer-whale trainer.

What does SeaWorld say about the care of the orcas?

The International Marine Mammal Project and other organizations believe that SeaWorld should remove dolphin and whale captivity from their limited facilities, permanently retire orcas and dolphins to sea pens, and focus on other forms of entertainment.