Major Artists Distancing Themselves From SeaWorld

Since the release of the controversial documentary Blackfish earlier this year, artists have begun to distance themselves from SeaWorld by canceling upcoming gigs at the park.

Rock band Heart was the latest act to cancel appearances at SeaWorld Orlando, making their announcement over the weekend. Country singer Willie Nelson and rock band Barenaked Ladies made the decisions to cancel their performances at the park as well after fans launched petitions urging them not to perform at SeaWorld.

A posting on Heart’s official Twitter page said the decision was influenced by the recently released documentary Blackfish.

Blackfish tells the story of Tilikum, a performing killer whale that killed several people while in captivity. The film compiles shocking footage and emotional interviews to explore the creature’s extraordinary nature, the species’ cruel treatment in captivity, the lives and losses of the trainers and the pressures brought to bear by the multi-billion dollar sea-park industry. The documentary raises questions about the effects of captivity on killer whales at marine parks such as SeaWorld.

SeaWorld spokesman Nick Gollattscheck said in a statement that marine park officials respect the performers’ decisions but added that they were disappointed that “a small group of misinformed individuals” was able to influence the performers.

Other bands scheduled to perform at SeaWorld Orlando next year have begun to cancel their upcoming gigs as well.