SAN DIEGO:

SeaWorld said on Monday it plans to replace its signature “Shamu” killer whale shows in San Diego with displays focused on “conservation,” after grappling with sagging attendance and years of criticism over treatment of the captive marine mammals.

Animal rights activists, pressing to end public exhibition of killer whales altogether, branded the SeaWorld announcement as little more than window-dressing designed to make continued display of the animals more palatable to the public.

The move, unveiled in a company presentation to investors, followed a vote by California regulators last month barring SeaWorld San Diego from continuing to breed the killer whales, or orcas, if it proceeds with a planned expansion of their artificial habitat.

SeaWorld Entertainment Inc Chief Executive Officer Joel Manby said 2016 would be the last year of the park’s “current orca experience,” which features the black-and-white marine predators performing various tricks at the direction of trainers.

A highlight of those shows has been a leaping orca unleashing an enormous splash onto the front rows of spectators seated in the park’s outdoor Shamu Stadium arena, named for the original killer whale star of SeaWorld’s performances in the 1960s and early 70s.

“In 2017 we’re going to launch an all-new orca experience with a conservation theme in a more natural setting,” Manby said, adding that plans were based on SeaWorld guests surveys.

“They want the San Diego whale experience to be what the animal would do in the wild,” he said in response to questions. “They jump in the wild, they splash in the wild.”

He did not elaborate, saying only that there would be fewer theatrics. But a company press release said the attraction would focus on the animals’ natural behaviors. “The show will include conservation messaging and tips guests can take home to make a difference for orcas in the wild,” it said. (RTRS)