Do they really want the orcas to have a better life or do they just want to make it seem like they care so much so that they can gain a bunch of support from the general public? Groups like PETA are infuriating sometimes and I've always been very disappointed with Seaworld's decision to end breeding because of them.
Personally, I'm not the biggest fan of waterworks because it's such an unnatural thing to do. You wouldn't see a keeper performing with a tiger or a lion at a (good/ethical) zoo, would you?
I feel like it really shouldn't be a thing with dolphins or other cetaceans either. Shows like these are a thing of the past and I don't think they should make a comeback for any species. However, shows like OE at SWSD are perfectly fine in my eyes and are what aquariums should strive to have. They showcase more natural behaviors (without any humans in the water) and give various facts about the species but still manage to interest the public enough.
While OE is probably the best way to showcase these animals, SWSA and SWO's shows are also perfectly fine and are most likely more engaging for the public. Back when I used to visit SWSD more often, before the switch to OE, I'd love to watch the animals perform and listen to the songs in the One Ocean show. They're very catchy (I, especially, loved one of the songs called "Frolic" from OO) and are likely to engage the audience more. However, the downside to One Ocean was that guests learned very few to no facts about the animals which is not the way to go, imo.
SWSA and SWO both ended One Ocean shows like SWSD but their new shows are not as educational and *formal* as SWSD's. They've managed to add many facts and tidbits of info into the presentation but have retained the musical and "showy" aspect of One Ocean, unlike SWSD.
Long story short, I think the current shows are all much better than Believe (the show with waterworks) with OE being slightly better than the other two due to its more educational focus. They all provide the necessary exercise for the orcas in the most natural way possible in a captive environment.
I too am very disappointed Seaworld decided to end breeding them because of those activists. They have their reasons though, their revenue was dropping following Blackfish and they really had to make a change to get back in the Public's good books. I would be quite shocked if one visitor didn't go to Seaworld and not see the Orcas! They're quite a must see, and I was suprised to know a lot of people, spend hours watching them time to time. It's quite magnificent to see an Orca gliding past, and most people would be more inclined to help wild marine life after seeing an Orca so up close compared to a turtle or even a dolphin.
Waterworks definitely had something magical about it; and although it was unnatural, it had its benefits. Seaworld still conducts 'waterwork sessions' where they get into the water with their whales, but with a gate separating them. Mostly just for training purposes and also giving the orcas something different and interesting to do as they interact with the trainer through the gate.
One Ocean is still probably my favourite show.
The songs were incredibly catchy, and it definitely engaged the audience more. It was created as a show to replace Believe, as they could no longer do waterworks and believe centered around such activity; and I personally think they did a great job replacing Believe and making up for waterworks which was the main attraction. Orca Encounter at Seaworld San Diego is very factual, and do involve many naturalistic behaviours, although personally it does get quite boring once you watch it time and time again, as the same facts played and even predictable behaviours, to match specific parts of the show. I much prefer the 'Inside Look' show at Seaworld San Diego which is mainly a training session where you are given the chance to learn more about the Orcas themselves and their personalities ect.
What San Antonio and Orlando have done has been quite a success, although I would've liked them to have kept some of the One Ocean songs.
They are showy like One Ocean, but also at the same time factual like Orca Encounter. I think this is done more nicely, and is much more interesting to watch compared to Orca Encounter. Seaworld has done a nice job so far imo with their replacement shows following One Ocean. Much more factual, which is great, and something all aquariums and marine parks should involve.
