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发帖数: 11530 | 1 SeaWorld killer whale dies at San Antonio park
Ed Payne-Profile-Image
By Ed Payne, CNN
Updated 1:39 AM ET, Tue December 22, 2015
Story highlights
Unna was 18 year old and weighed 4,600 pounds
Attendance at SeaWorld's theme parks has waned in the aftermath of the "
Blackfish" documentary
(CNN)An 18-year-old killer whale has died after a months-long illness at the
SeaWorld park in San Antonio.
Unna, a 4,600-pound orca, died Monday.
"We are saddened to share the passing of Unna," SeaWorld said. "Unna had
been under the constant care of the SeaWorld veterinary team and outside
experts for the past several months."
She suffered from a resistant strain of a fungus called Candida.
A necropsy will be performed to determine the cause of her death.
SeaWorld said it canceled all killer whale shows at the San Antonio park for
the day.
Patrons safe on ground after SeaWorld Orlando ride mishap
A sea of troubles
SeaWorld's reputation was badly damaged in part by "Blackfish," a 2013
documentary co-produced by CNNFilms.
"Blackfish" begins by showing the unseemly practice of capturing orca babies
in the 1970s and casts SeaWorld in a harsh light for raising the whales in
dark and cramped conditions.
The film blames SeaWorld for causing one killer whale, Tilikum, to become a
psychotic killer. Tilikum has sired 21 calves, but killed three people,
including the SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheau.
The film generated criticism from lawmakers and advocacy groups like PETA.
Attendance at SeaWorld's theme parks has waned, and its San Diego park has
been particularly troublesome. There is also a park in Orlando.
An earnings update last month left investors worried about the company's
outlook.
SeaWorld said the attendance dip was due to "brand challenges and is being
addressed through the company's reputation campaign, which is designed to
share facts and correct misinformation."
To help its boost the company's image, SeaWorld CEO Joel Manby said the
company will "aggressively communicate" its animal care and rescue efforts.
SeaWorld is also planning new attractions and changes to its pricing.
CNN's Stephanie Gallman and CNNMoney's Jackie Wattles contributed to this
report | W***n
发帖数: 11530 | 2 It's inhumane to keep large animals
in captivity. |
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