ASB Visits Seaworld
ASB Scheduled to go to SeaWorld Amid Blackfish and Citation Issues
Kaylynn Clark
The Depratment of Agriculture has decided to cite Seaworld Orlando for violating the Animal Welfare Act recently. The citation is a result of an inspection that occurred January 13, 2014. Months later, Taft College’s ASB has decided to host a trip to San Diego, and attend SeaWorld during their stay, despite all of the negative media attention and controversy surrounding the amusement park. I spoke to Myisha Cutrona, the ASB Advisor, to ask questions about their planned trip.
Kaylynn Clark: Why did the ASB select to go to SeaWorld?
Myisha Cutrona: It is voted on by the executive board, which chooses three to five options to be voted on. Out of the three options that fit our budget, SeaWorld was voted the top choice by our committee.
Clark: The integrity of the theme parks is starting to crumble in the eyes of the public, mostly in part of Blackfish; a documentary that has been very popular this year, as well being cited. Amid all of these issues, many students and student affiliated groups have cancelled their school trips to SeaWorld. Did the ASB discuss SeaWorld’s current standing before choosing the trip?
Cutrona: In fact, we did. I brought Blackfish to the board’s attention. The thing is, many are against it, but many people are for it. We believe it is more of a leadership and peer experience than about the park. It is more of a year-end celebration among students than about SeaWorld.
Clark: The animals of the park, particularly killer whales, have shown proof of intellect, feelings and expressing emotions in the wild in a very effective way. The whales at SeaWorld that have not been bred in captivity have shown signs of distress. Do you think killer whales are suitable for this form of entertainment?
Cutrona: I feel after seeing the movie (Blackfish), it has brought to light many issues. Most of the whales are bred in captivity, and all they know is SeaWorld. I think that if they (the whales) were reacting harshly, it would be something the trainers would see, and would not have them do shows if it does occur.
Clark: How many times has ASB scheduled and went on trips to Seaworld?
Cutrona: Twice since I have been here.
Clark: Were other parks considered, such as aquariums that are known for their conservation efforts?
Cutrona: Personally, I wanted to go to Disneyland, because there are other things to do in Anaheim other than the park, such as Downtown Disney. It was one of our options, but SeaWorld was decided on. When you think of San Diego, SeaWorld is often thought of. It is a place to go in that city. . . No aquariums were considered.
There is a lot of tension on this subject, and objections to a school affiliated trip to one of the most controversial amusement parks of modern record. In truth, everyone agrees that the animals of SeaWorld deserve a flourishing environment free of cruelty and harmful behaviors, no matter of what opinion is held on the matter.
In closing, the ASB has decided to do their trip to SeaWorld, but are welcome to new members with different ideas and suggestions. The meetings of our Taft College ASB are held weekly on Thursdays in the banquet hall from 12:30-1pm. Bring your current student ID with ASB sticker to the meeting as well, to receive admittance. I hope this article brings to light more opinions to be heard at our Taft College ASB meetings.