Shares in leisure group SeaWorld Entertainment Inc (NYSE:SEAS) surfed higher in New York this morning as it emerged it is to end the controversial breeding programme for killer whales.
The captivity at the parks of the creatures, also known as orcas, has attracted widespread criticism from many sources, including animal rights campaigners, for several years.
It had long since stopped getting them from the wild but the majority of its 29 whales were born in captivity.
The company's treatment of the animals was put under scrutiny in a TV programme called Blackfish.
The group told a regulatory statement today: "SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc, a leading theme park and entertainment company, today announced that the killer whales – or orcas – currently in the company's care will be the last generation of orcas at SeaWorld. The company will end all orca breeding as of today."
"SeaWorld has introduced more than 400 million guests to orcas, and we are proud of our part in contributing to the human understanding of these animals, added Joel Manby, chief executive,
"As society's understanding of orcas continues to change, SeaWorld is changing with it.
"By making this the last generation of orcas in our care and reimagining how guests will encounter these beautiful animals, we are fulfilling our mission of providing visitors to our parks with experiences that matter."
Shares added 5.9% to US$18.13.