SeaWorld is not the most popular company in America.
Activists have been raising concerns about SeaWorld’s treatment of its animals, especially its Orca whales, for some time. But a 2013 documentary called Blackfish really started a firestorm of controversy around the theme park. That documentary focuses on Tilikum, an orca residing at SeaWorld, Orlando, and condemned the treatment of orcas in captivity. The film centers around the death of Dawn Brancheau, a SeaWorld trainer, who was killed by the 6-ton whale in 2010. Tilikum has been involved in the deaths of two trainers and one SeaWorld guest.
Acts canceled, attendance dropped.
The point is – there are a lot of people who hate SeaWorld and SeaWorld knows this. That’s why this is such a head-scratcher:
Have questions about killer whales? Ask us right here on Twitter! Learn more at http://t.co/vWEg4z67C8 pic.twitter.com/23KPSEOhiJ
— SeaWorld (@SeaWorld) March 27, 2015
Ah yes, the ol’ request for a Twitter Q&A. This should go well.
#AskSeaWorld want to hear a song I wrote about whales in captivity? Oh wait, I forgot… In order to listen to music you have to have a soul
— Derik Nelson (@deriknelson) March 27, 2015
Why do you say you don't take orca calves from their mothers when you do? #AskSeaWorld http://t.co/V6uPbKS2TD pic.twitter.com/AX2vEGgZvl
— The Dodo (@dodo) March 27, 2015
Did you guys like Blackfish? #AskSeaWorld
— Scott Weinberg (@scottEweinberg) March 27, 2015
#AskSeaWorld: How does it feel to have your business collapse like the dorsal fin of an orca in one of your tiny tanks? #Blackfish
— Mark Hawthorne Ⓥ (@markhawthorne) March 27, 2015
.@SeaWorld So your new CEO's plan is to launch a PR blitz based on pure fiction? Just when I thought you couldn't sink lower. #AskSeaWorld
— Holly Marie Combs (@H_Combs) March 27, 2015
#AskSeaWorld How does it feel to reap billions of $ off of wild orcas who you stole? http://t.co/mW1FKIrE0Z @OrcaSOS pic.twitter.com/MJJjbVBzFh
— Animal Rights News (@theirturn) March 27, 2015
#AskSeaWorld The last UK dolphinarium closed in 1993. Why are you persisting with a cruel & archaic business model that is clearly failing?
— Blue Planet Society (@Seasaver) March 27, 2015
#AskSeaWorld: If you truly care about your animals, why do you let THIS happen? pic.twitter.com/xINuURI9Dm
— PETA (@peta) March 26, 2015
#AskSeaWorld When will you move the orcas to seaside sanctuaries where they can begin to live their lives in peace?
— Tracy Reiman (@thetracyreiman) March 26, 2015
And finally,
Were you guys high or just drunk when you came up with this social media ad campaign? #AskSeaWorld
— Jay Normal (@JNormal) March 27, 2015
Seriously? What the hell did SeaWorld think would happen?
Image via PETA, Twitter