The exploitation of sentient, self-aware, highly intelligent creatures is not
necessary for rescuing and rehabilitating sick wildlife. SeaWorld’s rescue and
rehabilitation efforts have been struggling to keep up with the incredible efforts of dozens of highly qualified organizations across the country for many years. SeaWorld Entertainment claims $1.5 billion a year in revenue, yet they have spent only $9 million on conservation in the last decade. This translates to only 0.0006 of the company’s net revenue being funneled back into research and conservation annually. For every hundred dollars made by
the park, less than 1 cent is given back to research benefiting wildlife. Furthermore, most of its rescue work is with animals that are not profitable as performers in its shows.
SeaWorld has never released an orca back into the wild.