Killer whale shows banned in California because of new law

Killer whales won't perform in shows in California beginning next year, because of a bill signed into law Tuesday.

Under the law, Californians cannot breed or hold killer whales in captivity — making the ban the first of its kind, CNN reports. 

SeaWorld, based in San Diego, ended its killer whale breeding program in March and has announced plans to phase out theatrical shows, replacing them with "natural orca encounters." SeaWorld’s policy aligns with the law, which says orcas already in captivity can stay there as long as they are being presented for educational purposes, not shows.

SeaWorld to phase out killer whale shows, captivity

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