“Blackfish” falsely employs
emotionally manipulative sequences concerning the separation of killer whales.
One separation incident described in the film left viewers with a false impression
that killer whale, Takara was separated from her mother as an infant. However, Takara was twelve years old when she was moved. The
second separation incident described in the film discusses a whale name Kalina
who was four and a half years old when she was relocated. The film fails to explain
the critical reasoning behind the separation. Kalina was disruptive to her
mother and other whales, unfortunately needing to be moved. SeaWorld has said:
“We do not separate killer whale moms and their calves, and in the rare
occurrences that we do move whales among our parks, we do so only to maintain a
healthy social structure.” For example, killer whale Kalina stationed at the
SeaWorld in San Diego currently has her two babies by her side. They understand
the important bond between mothers and calves and everything they do for their
young whales is centered on that bond. On the rare occasion when a mother whale
cannot care for her calf, they have pioneered techniques to successfully hand
raise their young. SeaWorld’s ability to assist in this manner is due to years
of experience working with killer whales, their extraordinary health and
wellness programs and their understanding of the whales handling and behavior. Zoological
professional and head animal trainer for SeaWorld said: “We recognize the
importance of family bond…it is not true that we separate mothers and calves.”
In fact, they have the largest data base for information about calves and how
they relate with their mothers. They have the knowledge of when a calf gains
one’s independence, how they relate to their mother and when they start and
stop nursing. All of this information has helped scientists and every day
Americans understand these marine mammals in greater detail than ever before. (ASPER.
The Zoological Society of London).
