During the first hearing held Tuesday 4/8 in Sacramento concerning bill AB2140—a bill that would outlaw the importation, captivity and breeding of killer whales–Dem Richard Bloom of Santa Monica agreed to “revisit” his proposal for further study. As a result of Bloom’s acquiescence, the bill is dead in the water until additional hearings are held in 2015. A blow to animal advocates everywhere, but not an insurmountable one. As bill sponsor and AWI scientist Naomi Rose herself said, the long game may yet be won.

Inspired by the controversial movie Blackfish; a film released through both Sundance Film Festival and CNN, the bill argues that such captivity is more than inhumane to the highly intelligent mammals, it’s a breeding grounds for aggressive behavior, as well—directly resulting in death and bodily injury to trainers at their various marine parks nationwide. (most notably: the 2010 death of Dawn Brahcheau, a trainer killed during a killer whale show at Sea World Orlando)

Sea World regards the postponement as a huge victory, but guess what mega-corporation: we live in a world where we can be proactive about legislation, and not just be legislated. We can influence what laws are made. The incidence of the bill alone is proof of that, being the end product of a petition signed by over 1.2 million concerned citizens. Delivered to the Assembly on Monday morning by schoolchildren who had themselves successfully protested an overnight field-trip to Sea World, the petition shows just how wide a reach social networking has opened up to the public.

Sea World isn’t taking the assault to their finances lightly. Recent tax filings show a dip in attendance since the film debuted. They’ve launched an epic PR campaign against Blackfish, including a website that counters the film’s merits, critical Tweets, and full-page newspaper ads. Eh, methinks that bloated whale of a cash cow protests too much.

But we can’t. We can and must protest this abomination to God’s creatures. To stay idle is to condone—so do not be idle! Stay informed. Stay in touch. Stay incensed. Don’t let time lull you into forgetting what’s at stake here. The immutable laws of nature have been muted.

Let’s hear the whale song again.

Bidding adieu as it dopplers into the depths where these animals belong. Free in their world, as God intended. Write democratic, assembly member: Richard Bloom. Tell him he must stand strong. Send the Blackfish back to the sea.

 

Richard Bloom Contact Info:

Capitol Office:
State Capitol
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0050
Tel: (916) 319-2050
Fax: (916) 319-2150

 

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sign petition against naval sonar testing <<hearings already underway! please HURRY to sign this!!

Latest on international ban on Japanese whale-hunting

A Whale’s Wail  <Blackfish in greater depth