Dr. John Jett talks about orcas in captivity

Dr. John Jett, visiting professor of biology at Stetson University and a former SeaWorld whale trainer, appeared in the film Blackfish, an award-winning documentary about the problems associated with keeping orcas in captivity.

“SeaWorld and other marine parks have historically based their business model on expertly controlling the flow of information in a way that best fits their monetary interests,” said Jett. “Because of Blackfish (and other works, such as David Kirby’s, Death at SeaWorld), they no longer control the message. Blackfish has forced the conversation to begin evolving from one of a manufactured fairytale ("The whales love us and they want to do tricks...") to that of being honest and accurate. The documentary is unprecedented in the 40 years orcas have been in captivity, in that for the first time...former orca trainers have come forward to provide an honest look behind the curtains. The scene is often quite ugly... ”

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