Last year, the documentary Blackfish detailed the concerns and consequences of keeping killer whales in captivity.
Now, four former Seaworld trainers who were featured in that film are speaking about their experiences and the plight of captive marine animals at marine parks.
They call themselves "The Blackfish Brigade-Voice of the Orcas", and they're coming to Rochester Saturday for a symposium.
Joining them is Phil Demers. He's a former Marineland trainer who left his job to call attention to what he calls the harsh conditions and mistreatment of animals at the marine park.
Click on the audio link above to hear an interview with Demers.
Marineland offered this response to Demers’ claims:
"Marineland is looking forward to another successful season. Again this year, hundreds of thousands of children and their parents will visit Marineland and marvel at the wonders of our oceans and its amazing creatures.
While it’s sad that a small but vocal group continues to spread their mistruths, Marineland is comforted in the fact there is nothing more honest than a child’s smile when they are face to face with a dolphin or whale. "
The Blackfish Brigade and Demers will be at a symposium at at 7 p.m. this Saturday, May 3 at the Kodak Center for Performing Arts.
