March 18, 2016

 

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment
P.O. Box 690129
Orlando, FL 32869

Subject:  Bravo, SeaWorld. The first step is always the hardest. Keep it up.

Dear SeaWorld,

Congratulations on your recent announcement to end both your theatrical killer whale shows and your orca captive breeding program.  

If your company is truly shifting its focus toward awareness, appreciation, rescue and preservation of our precious ocean creatures, that is a step in the right direction and puts you on the right side of history.

With your resources, your knack for engaging consumers, your know-how and your moxie, you could be a powerful and unbeatable champion for oceans and their creatures.  

I’m not suggesting that you become a non-profit.  I’m suggesting that just as for-profit private companies are leading the space program, so perhaps can for-profit companies save the oceans as well.

Be brave. Be innovative. Be transparent.  Be good.  Turn your parks into ocean animal appreciation centers, instead of animal shows, and you will have a winning business model and again be the beloved business that people love to support… that is, that today’s enlightened people love to support!    

Several years ago, long before BlackFish, I vowed never to patronize SeaWorld again. But if you are really serious about creating a new kind of Sea World, powered by education and ocean advocacy and scholarship, and ultimately free of any captive sea creatures, where do I buy a ticket, or even some stock in that company?

You could be such a source of good works. And good business.  Please try!

Sincerely,
Robin Whitney
Park City, UT

robin@oneletteraday.net
Never underestimate the difference you can make.