SeaWorld To Cease Breeding Killer Whales In Captivity, Introduce ‘Natural Orca Encounters’

FILE - In this Monday, March 7, 2011, file photo, killer whale Tilikum, right, watches as SeaWorld Orlando trainers take a break during a training session at the theme park's Shamu Stadium in Orlando, Fla. SeaWorld o... FILE - In this Monday, March 7, 2011, file photo, killer whale Tilikum, right, watches as SeaWorld Orlando trainers take a break during a training session at the theme park's Shamu Stadium in Orlando, Fla. SeaWorld officials say the killer whale responsible for the death of a trainer is very sick. In a post on the park's blog Tuesday, March 8, 2016, officials say Tilikum appears to have a bacterial infection in his lungs. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File) MORE LESS
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MIAMI (AP) — SeaWorld is ending its practice of killer whale breeding following years of controversy over keeping orcas in captivity.

The company announced Thursday morning the breeding program will end immediately. The company also announced a partnership with the Humane Society.

The company will also end theatrical shows and introduce “new, inspiring natural orca encounters.” The new shows will begin next year at the SeaWorld Entertainment Inc.’s San Diego park.

SeaWorld president and CEO Joel Manby said in a statement that the company introduced more than 400 million guests to orcas and is proud of its part in contributing to the human understanding of the whales.

He says the company is “reimagining” how guests will encounter orcas while providing visitors to the theme parks with “experiences that matter.”

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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