Bill proposes ban orca shows at SeaWorld

SAN DIEGO — A bill by a Santa Monica, Calif., assemblyman that would ban orca shows at SeaWorld is being blasted in San Diego, home of the marine theme park.

SeaWorld expressed doubt about the legality of the legislation.

“The premise behind this proposed legislation is severely flawed on multiple levels, and its validity is highly questionable under the U.S. and California constitutions,” the park said in a statement.

Others said the ban would hurt the local economy.

“SeaWorld is a critical part of San Diego’s economy,” said San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, a Republican who made job growth a key part of his recent campaign. “In addition to drawing thousands of tourists to San Diego each year, it is also a leader in maritime and wildlife conservation.”

Of the bill sponsored by Assemblyman Richard Bloom, D-Santa Monica, Faulconer said, “I think there are much more pressing issues in Sacramento to address.”

Assemblyman Rocky Chavez, R-Oceanside, immediately opposed the bill. “I cannot support legislation that will take away from our region’s unique identity and will undoubtedly cost us jobs and tourism.”

SeaWorld San Diego has 2,500 employees in the winter and up to 4,500 during the summer. The park paid more than $14 million last year in rent to the city. By some accounts, the park attracts more than 4.4 million visitors a year, even more than the San Diego Zoo.

Bloom’s bill would ban the use of orcas for “entertainment or performance purposes” and also prohibit captive breeding of orcas.