Blackfish Argumentative Analysis

animals, orcas in specific, should not be held captive, as it causes them psychological Orcas, better known as killer whales, have an average lifespan of fifty years. This is only if they are not in captivity. Orcas in captivity have an average lifespan of twenty years. This is an enormous difference! After the release of the controversial film “Blackfish” in 2013, Democratic State Assemblyman Richard Bloom, in the news article, “New California Bill Aims To Stop SeaWorld From Making Orcas Perform” (2014), argues that orcas should not be held captive for “entertainment purposes”. Bloom supports his argument by introducing a bill that will end orca performances, prohibit import and exports of killer whales, and ban captive breeding. The authors

purpose is to call attention to the immorality of animal captivity. The author writes in a concerned, formal, persuasive, and supportive tone for voters and other interested in the topic of animal captivity. I strongly agree with Bloom's argument because being captive affects animals, both mentally and physically in a negative manner, animals are not able to have the freedom they are destined to have, and these parks often lack in proper care.
One reason i agree with Bloom's argument is because animals that are often kept in closed spaces, therefore they are prevented from performing their natural behaviors.

The article, “Are Zoos Cruel? The Pros and Cons of Zoos and Wildlife parks”, discusses the advantages and disadvantages animals have being in zoos and wildlife parks. It states, “The physical and mental frustrations of captivity often lead to abnormal, neurotic, and even self destructive behavior, such as incessant pacing, swaying, head-bobbing, bar-biting, and self-mutilation. In other words, animals tend to become psychotic when held in captivity. Their psychotic behavior comes from the restriction of freedom they have. This is significant because it validates my argument that dysfunctions.

times.
Secondly, I agree with Bloom's argument because animals are born to be wild.

There they have the freedom they were destined to have instead of being locked up. The documentary, “Blackfish”, discusses the controversy over having orcas in captivity and the fatal encounters SeaWorld trainers have while interacting with orcas. It states, “Whale-on-whale aggression was just a part of your-- you know daily existence...In the wild, whether they have got thousands of square miles to exit the scene… you don't have that in captivity,” says John Jett PhD. This is significant to my argument because orcas are wild animals, therefore they are not designed to be held active in small, concrete tanks.
The final reason I agree with Bloom's argument because often the proper care isn't given to to the animals. In my personal experience, orcas are highly intelligent animals. Their brains are even more complex than human brains. I don't believe SeaWorld, or any animal park, can recreate the exact natural environment an animal originates from. It is a very difficult task and animal parks often have a hard time fulfilling the needs of an

animal.
Some people might argue that SeaWorld parks aim educate people. The likelihood a person has of encountering an orca is close to zero. Many also claim that, animal parks help “conserve” animals. Parks often create reintroduction program to restore threatened species. However, I disagree with this because people often don't even go to animal parks to educate themselves. They spend a few minutes at an animal site and then move on to the next, without gathering much information about the animal. It seems they only go to be entertained. I also disagree with their claims because reintroduction programs aren't often successful.
In conclusion, orcas, or animals overall, shouldn't be in captivity. Being held captive can cause them to become psychologically affected leading to physical self-harm, they are born to be wild, and the proper care isn't often given to the animals. We as humans wouldn't want to be on the other side and held captive. Animals deserve their right to their freedom as much as we do. Vote for the bill that is intended to stop orca captivity at SeaWorld parks. It's time for a change but it all begins with you.