woman killed at seaworld

[Amyable]

Quote:
Because they are endangered? Most all zoos have breeding programs for the threatened/endangered animals they keep.

 

[Melissakins]

And they've figured out to do AI using Killer Whales :S

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

They try to preserve certain lineages. It's just like with any other animal...such as the Asiatic lion. They breed them to help preserve the lives of orcas in the wild.

Giraffes, etc. Sure, there is money involved as well, but without security of having bloodlines/DNA in captivity, what would happen if a natural disaster killed hundreds of thousands of whales?

 

[redhen]

Quote:
Because they are endangered? Most all zoos have breeding programs for the threatened/endangered animals they keep.

I understand..i just dont believe its not mostly motivated by money..
maybe i'm just a cynic...and maybe i'm right....

 

[Amyable]

Quote:
Ok, but that doesn't stop businesses/organizations from offering certain activities, does it? Sky diving isn't safe for everyone, but that doesn't mean it can't be offered for those folks who want to and are physically able to do it. I don't quite get that one, RoPo.

 

[Moxiechick]

Quote:
While I'm happy that you came to realize how important it is to consider the future and safety of these animals, I think it's sad that seeing these creatures in such a deprived situation is the only way for some to make the empathetic bond.

I've seen the shows. Whales jumping and carousing at the command of a human trainer. It seemed cartoonish to me. I didn't see the animals exhibiting normal behaviors in response to their natural environment. If I wanted to learn about bears, would I get more out of seeing a documentary about bears in their natural environments, or seeing a bear dance in a circus?

If an up close encounter is needed, it should be on rescued whales that can't be rehabilitated and they should be kept in natural environments vs. sterile tanks.

 

[SilverPhoenix]

I think breeding endangered animals that can be (at least fairly) easily kept in captivity is one thing, helping the species recover and releasing at least some of the offspring back into the wild in hopes of getting them to repopulate. But breeding orcas? That's definitely for profit. Those animals are very valuable. It makes me upset, as I really don't believe cetaceans should be kept in captivity.

 

[SilverPhoenix]

Quote:
While I'm happy that you came to realize how important it is to consider the future and safety of these animals, I think it's sad that seeing these creatures in such a deprived situation is the only way for some to make the empathetic bond.

I've seen the shows. Whales jumping and carousing at the command of a human trainer. It seemed cartoonish to me. I didn't see the animals exhibiting normal behaviors in response to their natural environment. If I wanted to learn about bears, would I get more out of seeing a documentary about bears in their natural environments, or seeing a bear dance in a circus?

If an up close encounter is needed, it should be on rescued whales that can't be rehabilitated and they should be kept in natural environments vs. sterile tanks.

I just wanted to say I completely agree with this comment.

 

[Sillystunt]

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i do know they rescue.............
Please don't get me wrong...sea world has a great recue unit. My husband knows them very well. just don't think a whale has any place in a small tank like that.

I'm sorry if I came off a little hostile. Those tanks may look small but they are deep too. And I agree with what halo said.

no worries...ya know i love ya!

and they are about 50ft deep.............which is not deep enough! just my opinion. which really need nadda.............
A captive whale lives around 30 years........... whales out in the ocean live up to 60 years which really is a guess. Since they haven't charted them living longer due to remains and such.
They can dive up to 1000 ft. When they have a 55ft deep tank.......i think the whale would kinda get fustrated.

 

[Amyable]

Quote:
Because they are endangered? Most all zoos have breeding programs for the threatened/endangered animals they keep.

I understand..i just dont believe its not mostly motivated by money..
maybe i'm just a cynic...and maybe i'm right....

It's about the money, of course, but I think there is real desire to keep these species alive just for their own sakes. But you have to have a detailed breeding program. Zoos cooperate with each other to maintain very high standards in the breeding of endangered animals. My college wildlife management class spent some time on this, I jsut can't remember the name of the program at the moment. They need to breed offspring that are as genetically diverse as possible; inbred animals don't help the wild populations grow.