Florida

SeaWorld Changing Show Involving Killer Whales in 2020

The new show will feature more information on conservation and orca behavior

SeaWorld will be changing the centerpiece of its killer whale show at its Orlando theme park in the coming year.

NBC affiliate WESH-TV reports the “One Ocean” show will be replaced with the “Orca Encounter” show aimed at featuring more information about conservation and killer whales’ behavior.

“This educational presentation reflects our company’s mission to inspire people and protect the animals and wild wonders of our world through education, research, animal rescue and conservation," Dr. Chris Dold, SeaWorld chief zoological officer, told the station.

The "One Ocean" show focused on the theme of conservation was SeaWorld Orlando's first show that did not include trainers in the water with orcas following the 2010 death of a trainer who was drowned during a show.

Animal rights groups such as PETA have pushed for the company to relocate orcas at their three facilities. In 2016, SeaWorld announced it stopped its orca breeding program.

In total, SeaWorld has 20 orcas left at its parks with five being in Orlando.

EDITOR'S NOTE: A previous version of this story inaccurately stated the timing of SeaWorld Orlando's first show without trainers in the water.

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