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bubblee89 's review for:
Beneath the Surface: Killer Whales, SeaWorld, and the Truth Beyond Blackfish
by Howard Chua-Eoan, John Hargrove
After watching the documentary Blackfish, I was speechless, and I admit that I cried several times during the viewing. As a child, I had once loved SeaWorld and its Shamu Stadium show. After finding out what was really going on behind the scenes, however, I was in disbelief, and immediately I started seeking out other sources and information about the cruelty going on behind the facade of this giant corporation.
When I found out that John Hargrove's book was coming out, I put it on my reading list. His account, which could have been nothing more than criticism against SeaWorld, was so much more--it was heartfelt and powerful. You can feel the love he has for the whales he once worked with, and also the guilt for having to leave them in 2012.
Now an advocate for orcas in captivity, Hargrove's story is a must-read for anyone who is an animal lover, activist, or trainer. The book is just one of many that all echo the belief that keeping intelligent animals in captivity, not just marine mammals like orcas, is ethically wrong. And I'm inclined to agree. I believe in conservation, not exploitation.
After a recent trip to San Diego in May, I tried (in vain, I might add) to find this book for my plane ride home. I could not find a copy anywhere. It only further cemented my belief that SeaWorld, terrified of losing park attendance and revenue, effectively made sure this book was not available. I understand the tourist industry of San Diego relies on SeaWorld, as do the marine animals who live there, but I truly believe that until the company puts its animals first, nothing will change, and we, as human beings, will have learned nothing in caring for the other species we share this planet with.
When I found out that John Hargrove's book was coming out, I put it on my reading list. His account, which could have been nothing more than criticism against SeaWorld, was so much more--it was heartfelt and powerful. You can feel the love he has for the whales he once worked with, and also the guilt for having to leave them in 2012.
Now an advocate for orcas in captivity, Hargrove's story is a must-read for anyone who is an animal lover, activist, or trainer. The book is just one of many that all echo the belief that keeping intelligent animals in captivity, not just marine mammals like orcas, is ethically wrong. And I'm inclined to agree. I believe in conservation, not exploitation.
After a recent trip to San Diego in May, I tried (in vain, I might add) to find this book for my plane ride home. I could not find a copy anywhere. It only further cemented my belief that SeaWorld, terrified of losing park attendance and revenue, effectively made sure this book was not available. I understand the tourist industry of San Diego relies on SeaWorld, as do the marine animals who live there, but I truly believe that until the company puts its animals first, nothing will change, and we, as human beings, will have learned nothing in caring for the other species we share this planet with.