In summer of 2013 the documentary Blackfish premiered in select theaters and on CNN. This film highlights the reality of SeaWorld -- behind closed doors. It focuses on Tilikum, a 12,500 pound bull Orca (Cowperthwaite). Tilikum’s tragic story became the inspiration for the documentary. This highly controversial film has been the root cause of numerous protests and many recent changes within SeaWorld. Just one year after Blackfish SeaWorld went down 48% in the stock market and lost 7% of their annual profit (Rooney). The debate to free Orcas and large, captive marine mammals has created a movement. By the end of 2019, SeaWorld will be ending all Orca shows. Currently, SeaWorld’s tanks are expanding. It seems unrealistic to ask marine parks
