What does the Blackfish effect mean?

There were months of news articles. Angry musicians refused to perform for SeaWorld’s parks. Attendance dipped. It was all part of what regulators are calling “the Blackfish effect” — a spiraling crisis that threatened SeaWorld’s reputation, according to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Why did Gabriela Cowperthwaite make 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 is the message behind Blackfish?

The film’s rhythm and message make for a real tear-jerker, whether you’re an animal lover or not. Blackfish informs us that the killer whales that are one of the main attractions at SeaWorld have needs, and that they belong in the wild where they can be free and not be secluded to one tank.

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.

What did SeaWorld do with the orcas?

In 2016, SeaWorld announced the immediate end of its orca breeding programme, and in the same year, California passed a ban on captive orca breeding. Five years on, we conducted a study to find out just how influential Blackfish was in bringing about that decision.

Why should you watch Blackfish?

It’s this commanding cinematography combined with the heartbreaking, shocking, and often frightening discoveries that make Blackfish worth its very brief 83 minute run time. It’s not just for animal welfare activists, environmentalists, or bleeding hearts looking for a cause to back.

What whale is Blackfish about?

killer whales
Blackfish is a 2013 American documentary film directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite. It concerns Tilikum, an orca held by SeaWorld and the controversy over captive killer whales.

Is SeaWorld still losing money?

SeaWorld parks report 10 million fewer guests, $312 million loss in 2020. The company’s parks, including Tampa’s Busch Gardens and Adventure Island, saw revenue drop 69 percent across the board. That led to a 69 percent drop in total revenues, from nearly $1.4 billion in 2019 to $431.8 million last year.

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. SeaWorld said the specialists who cared for Amaya were heartbroken.