Governor Jerry Brown signed a bill on Tuesday that will end SeaWorld’s orca breeding and performances in California.
Mr Brown made the announcement on Tuesday following the park’s announcement this year promising to end its controversial orca shows.
The bill, SB839, was authored by Assemblyman Richard Bloom and makes exceptions for educational institutions who intend to research the animals. The bill outlaws corporations and individuals right to breed orcas in captivity and those who break the law can be fined up to $100,000, The Associated Press reports.
SeaWorld’s attendance have plunged since the 2013 documentary Blackfish was released, which criticized the park’s treatment of its whales.
The company’s shares has dropped more than 62 per cent in the past three years and down 37 per cent year-to-date, according to MarketWatch.
In March, SeaWorld promised to abandon its breeding programs and entertainment performances to focus on educational endeavors. The park’s San Diego branch will unveil their new display by 2019.
