Olivia Sickelka

I. Introduction
A. Gain Attention: The documentary, Blackfish, tells the story of
Tilikum, a performing killer whale who is involved in the deaths of
three trainers while held in captivity in the charming SeaWorld
adventure park.
B. Credibility Statement: After viewing the documentary Blackfish, I
was ashamed I was living in a world which allowed such cruelty and
inhumane treatment of harmless animals to take place. I also could not
believe so many people thought the imprisonment of such animals was
deemed to be fair and just.
C. Demonstrate Fairness and Evenhandedness: SeaWorld is under fire
for capturing and keeping killer whales in captivity, they also operate a
rescue and rehabilitation program. From the time of its founding,
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment has rescued or helped more than
26,000 animals, including ill, orphaned or abandoned, and injured
manatees, dolphins, pilot whales, sea turtles, and birds.
D. State Claim/Thesis: The happenings at the SeaWorld adventure park
have been ultimately brought to light by many animal rights activists
and countless documentaries and books. The capture and containment
of marine mammals is inhumane and detrimental to the visitors of the
park, the trainers, and most importantly the animals themselves.
II.
Body
A. SeaWorld is NOT the fantasy vacation spot it claims to be
1. According to their website, seaworldparks.com states, We do not
capture killer whales in the wild. Due to our groundbreaking reproduction
research program we have not collected a killer whale from the wild in 35
years.
2. Tilikums story
a. Captured in 1982
b. Used to breed SeaWorlds future starssired 21 calves
c. Killed 3 people (3/4 people killed by captive orcas)
3. The Dawn Brancheau story
a. How she was killed

b. What happened to SeaWorld following Dawns death

i. SeaWorld was fined $50,000 by health and safety
chiefs
ii. Since her death, trainers not allowed in water w/
killer whales
B. SeaWorld to an outsider
1. When people hear about SeaWorld, they immediately think of the
gigantic killer whales who perform spectacular shows
a. Samu Stadium
2. The Legend of Shamu
a. How she was captured
b. When she died
c. Replacement whales who came after her
3. According to SeaWorlds website, our killer whales life spans are
equivalent with whales in the wild.
a. Life-expectancy of whales in the wild vs in captivity
C. SeaWorld as a family-friendly vacation spot vs what it is for the
whales
a. Whales torn from their faimiles
(i) How it affects them
1. Stay with their family their whole life
2. Dialect within pods
2. How the park limits them
a. Whales swim 100 miles a day in the wild
3. Dorsal fin collapse
III. Conclusion
A. Summary:
B. Kicker/Call to Action: Although SeaWorld may seem like the ideal fun
family vacation, you may want to rethink what your definition of fun.
While you are laughing and watching the whales, take a step back and
think how the whales are feeling, performing in endless shows for
crowds of people, torn from their families while you sit next to your
own family, enjoying yourself at the expense of an imprisoned mammal.