SeaWorld says it will end killer whale breeding program

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — SeaWorld announced today it will immediately stop breeding killer whales and end theatrical performances involving the iconic orcas at its theme parks after years of criticism over keeping them in captivity.

Park attendance at SeaWorld dropped after the 2013 release of the documentary "Blackfish," which was highly critical of the orca program. SeaWorld reported a fourth-quarter loss of $11 million in February.

"Society's attitudes have shifted," said Joel Manby, president and chief executive officer of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. during a telephone news conference. "It wasn't worth fighting that."

Along with ending its captive breeding program, the company said it is introducing "new, inspiring natural orca encounters."

"We needed to move to where society was moving. That's why it's now and not two years in the future," Manby said.

The new shows will begin next year at the SeaWorld Entertainment Inc.'s San Diego park, before expanding to its San Antonio park and then to the Orlando park in 2019.