July 29--After receiving about 75,000 letters and emails on the treatment of orcas in captivity, the California Coastal Commission has delayed for two months a vote on whether to allow SeaWorld San Diego to build larger tanks for the park's killer whales.
SeaWorld, facing harsh criticism for its treatment of its orcas, announced a plan last year to nearly double the size of its killer whale environment with a new facility that covers 1.5 acres, is 50 feet deep and 350 feet in length.
Critics of the marine-themed park oppose the project, describing it as a marketing ploy to fool the public into believing the orcas are living in a healthy environment.
The Coastal Commission, which has jurisdiction over construction along the state's coastal waters, was scheduled to vote on SeaWorld's proposal in August but has instead delayed the vote until its meeting in Long Beach in October.
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"The item was pushed to October to give staff more time to ensure that all viewpoints and relevant information are addressed in any final recommendation," a commission spokeswoman said.
The spokeswoman confirmed that the agency had received about 75,000 letters and emails, most in opposition to the project.
The opposition seems to be lead by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. The animal rights group recently launched a campaign on its website and blog urging people to oppose the SeaWorld project.
PETA included on its website a pre-written letter to the commission that opponents can sign and send by simply clicking a button.
"I care about orcas, and I'm sure you do, too," the letter reads. "Please deny SeaWorld the opportunity to build a bigger prison. Help get the orcas one step closer to a world where they can really thrive -- not in tanks, but in seaside sanctuaries."
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