Group protests `animal captivity' at Sea World San Diego

SAN DIEGO (CNS) - About 20 people attended a protest today at Sea World San Diego, part of the ninth annual ``Empty The Tanks Worldwide Event''

seeking to bring awareness to the plight of captive whales and dolphins.

The protest began at SeaWorld Drive and SeaWorld Way at 11:30 a.m. and was among more than 70 similar events planned around the world, organizer

Ellen Ericksen said.

She said the group was also trying to get the San Diego City Council at its next meeting to stop the Sea World fireworks show, happening now on

Fridays and Saturdays at about 8 p.m.

The fireworks displays damage the environment, scare residents' pets, and are too loud for nearby residents, Ericksen said.

The protest crowd in past years, before the pandemic, usually numbered about 100, she said.

``This pandemic is a game-changer,'' she said.

Ericksen plans to hold one or two protests at Sea World every month. The animals at Sea World are being held ``like captive criminals. It's horrible

and it will end,'' the longtime activist said. ``People are waking up.''

Sea World has 10 orcas, and Ericksen says one has been locked in captivity for 54 years.

The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but Sea World's web site says its core values include ``love for world life,

commitment and sacrifice, and conservation.''

Copyright 2021, City News Service, Inc.