As the United States deals with animal rights issues regarding its marine parks, halfway around the world, more marine parks are opening up to enthrall Chinese audiences, USA Today reported.
The popularity of marine parks in China has resulted in a number of common issues, including overcrowded tanks and poor water quality. It has also been noted that park operators and staff are ignorant about marine mammal illnesses and animal welfare, as well as worker safety.
“They are going through a learning curve that is not necessary and completely outdated--and they’re taking an enormous risk,” Naomi Rose, a marine mammal scientist at the Animal Welfare Institute, told USA Today.
“A trainer will be injured or killed sooner or later. It’d be sad because it’s totally avoidable,” Rose added.
Marine parks are experiencing a boom in China. The country currently has 44 marine parks spread across 24 provinces, but that number is about to get bigger as 18 more ocean theme parks are scheduled to open in the near future.
Aside from a lack of knowledge when it comes to animal rights, marine illnesses and property worker safety instructions, these theme parks also face problematic practices as China doesn’t have a clear-cut breeding program for killer whales, the marine parks’ stars.
This is the case in the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, where orcas show signs of diseases and other problems.
“All along we’re very much concerned about the conservation and propagation of these wildlife animals,” said Chimelong’s management.
Additionally, instead of learning from the mistakes their American predecessors have made, Earlier this year, SeaWorld has issued a statement declaring its parks in Texas and Florida will stop orca theatrical shows in 2019.
“As society’s understanding of orcas continues to change, SeaWorld is changing with it,” said Joel Manby, CEO of SeaWorld, in the statement.