Proposed California Law Would Ban Orcas in Captivity

Santa Monica Assemblyman Richard Bloom has introduced legislation that would outlaw keeping killer whales in captivity for entertainment purposes. Supporters of the bill point to what they call inhumane marine mammal park practices like forced breeding and separation of calves from mothers. Critics of the measure say that captive orcas are not in fact mistreated and serve important educational and research purposes. We take up the debate.

• More: California Bill Would Ban Orca Shows at SeaWorld (CNN)
• More: ‘Blackfish’ Prompts California Lawmaker to Propose Orca Ban (LA Times)