Review of Blackfish (2013) by Thomas D — 02 Mar 2015

This is a film everyone should see, at least every man, woman and child who ever visits a marine park like Sea World. It's only "misgiving" is the film did exactly what it accuses Sea World of doing, sugar-coating and padding it's information to deliver the message, but we can forgive "Blackfish" for that.

Sea World is usually our introduction to the mysterious lives of whales and many other ocean-dwelling species. My love of whales began with my trips to the parks which of course spawned my interest in conservation.

The first job I chose in high school was at the now-defunct Marineland. I'd spend my breaks visiting the animals, chatting with trainers and hanging out at the retired Dolphin tank. The first real vacation I took as an adult was a trip to Maui so I could see Humpbacks in the wild.

I got my SCUBA license so I could swim with other sea creatures. My point is Sea World began my life-long passion for whales, but "Blackfish" reminded me of the cost, and it's much too high to ignore any longer.

We don't have to rely on ocean parks as we did in my youth, not with the internet, documentaries and whale-watching excursions available to many of us. To hear that Sea World gives back a measly 0.

0006% of it's revenue to the conservation of the animals it profiteers from is pathetic. To learn abuse is still not only in existence, but rampant in the industry is unconscionable. The time for broad sweeping changes in their methods is at hand, but Sea World continues to prattle on with it's pat answers to our concerns.

Blackfish, even with it's flaws is the most important film about animal cruelty of our time. Watch it and find a way to make a difference.