"We Knew This Day Would Come," Criticism Rolls in After Tragic Death at SeaWorld

Criticism has rolled in after SeaWorld announced a tragic death at one of its parks.

SeaWorld has long held a controversial legacy with animal rights activists, but this controversy went global in 2013 with the release of Blackfish. The film focused on Tilikum, a killer whale involved in three deaths, including that of SeaWorld Orlando trainer Dawn Brancheau. Its contents sparked outrage, exposing issues like cramped tanks and the separation of orca families, fueling protests and calls for boycotts.

In the wake of Blackfish, attendance at SeaWorld’s U.S. parks—Orlando, San Diego, and San Antonio—plummeted. The film sparked celebrity activism, ramping up scrutiny of the ethics and conditions surrounding marine life captivity. In response, SeaWorld ceased its orca breeding program, as well as phasing out theatrical shows in which trainers would previously enter the water with orcas, in favor of educational presentations and increasingly turned its attention to thrilling new rides and coasters.

However, the backlash against its parks continues to this day. Not only have employees raised concerns about the decline in animal care since the release of Blackfish, but some have also questioned the lack of visibility of the killer whales at its three American parks in recent years.

Death at SeaWorld Sparks Backlash

The latest controversy centers on the death of an animal at SeaWorld San Antonio, which has prompted fresh scrutiny from activists.

SeaWorld San Antonio announced the passing of one of its residents last week. The 63-year-old bottlenose dolphin Notchfin – a “founding” member of the Texas theme park when it opened in 1988 – sadly died on March 12. She was notable for her lengthy lifespan, which greatly outpaced the average life expectancy of 28 to 29 years for a captive bottlenose dolphin. Wild dolphins boast a similar lifespan, as per a recent study by Marine Mammal Science.

“Her long life was a testament to the expert care she received at SeaWorld and the deep bonds she formed with those around her,” the theme park said. “A founding member of SeaWorld San Antonio since its opening in 1988, Notchfin shaped the social fabric of our dolphin community as a mother, grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. Her gentle nature and deep bonds with both her pod and our animal care team made her truly special.”

While it doesn’t sound like Notchfin’s death was entirely unexpected, SeaWorld San Antonio added that “her loss is deeply felt” and praised the contributions she contributed to SeaWorld’s knowledge of dolphin health and conservation. “Rest in peace, Notchfin,” the park said. “You will always be remembered.”

PETA Slams Notchfin’s Life at Controversial Texas Theme Park

PETA has now responded to Notchfin’s death in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Rest easy, Notchfin,” the group said. “Notchfin should’ve been swimming free in her ocean home, NOT wasting away for 50 YEARS in SeaWorld’s shallow pools. Shame on you, @SeaWorldTexas, for imprisoning majestic animals!”

Rest easy, Notchfin 😢🫶

Notchfin should've been swimming free in her ocean home, NOT wasting away for 50 YEARS in SeaWorld’s shallow pools 😔

Shame on you, @SeaWorldTexas, for imprisoning majestic animals! pic.twitter.com/tp0V4ujMY6

— PETA (@peta) March 18, 2025

Past Clashes Between PETA and SeaWorld Over Animal Deaths

This isn’t the first time PETA has slammed an animal death at SeaWorld. In 2024, SeaWorld San Antonio revealed that one of its newest Pacific white-sided dolphin calves – the daughter of a dolphin named Piquet – had passed away despite the best efforts of the park’s team.

“As we shared previously, the first few weeks after birth are tenuous for all animals, and her health was very delicate,” SeaWorld said. “Despite our round-the-clock care and attention, and the tremendous efforts of our dedicated animal care team, she did not survive. The mother, Piquet, is acting normally and is being closely monitored by our animal care team to ensure her well-being.”

In response, PETA’s executive vice president, Tracy Reiman, blamed the park for the dolphin’s passing.

“With this baby’s death, SeaWorld has added one more extinguished life to its tally of more than 500 dolphins and whales who have died, many prematurely, deprived of any opportunity to dive deep, swim free in the ocean, or see anything outside the dismal concrete prison cells they’re confined to,” she said.

The group also urged the park to shut down its breeding program and relocate its dolphins to sanctuaries. It made a similar appeal in 2022 following the death of Helen, a 33-year-old Pacific white-sided dolphin with disabilities.

Like Piquet’s calf and Notchfin, Helen also resided at SeaWorld San Antonio having been transferred there from Vancouver Aquarium in 2021. She was first rescued off the coast of Japan in 1996 after getting caught in a fishing net.

Ocean sanctuaries are viewed as a close alternative to releasing animals back into the wild. In 2023, it was revealed that Miami Seaquarium, the South Florida marine park facing eviction (and arguably receiving much more criticism from activists than SeaWorld nowadays), would send its resident killer whale, Lolita (also known as Tokitae), to a sanctuary in the Salish Sea. However, Tokitae passed away in her tank before the transfer could ever begin.

What are your thoughts on theme parks keeping dolphins in captivity?