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KPBS Midday Edition

One Year After 'Blackfish,' SeaWorld Goes On Offensive

One Year After 'Blackfish,' SeaWorld Goes On Offensive
One Year After 'Blackfish,' SeaWorld Goes On Offensive
Guests:Gabriela Cowperthwaite, Director, 'Blackfish' Deborah Giles, Marine Biogeographer, UC Davis David Bain, Former Killer Whale Biologist with Marine World Foundation

SeaWorld is a major San Diego attraction. But one of the year's most successful documentaries has challenged how the theme park treats its animal stars, the killer whales, also known as Orcas.

The movie "Blackfish" has grossed $2 million at the box office. That's quite a feat for any documentary. It has been seen by more than 21 million TV viewers, thanks to its broadcast on CNN.

The enduring controversy about 'Blackish' has made it impossible for SeaWorld to ignore.

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Recently it launched a "Truth About Blackfish" page on its website. And responded to concerns raised in the film with an open letter.

They did, however, decline our invitation to join us on Midday.

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