SeaWorld has announced today that it will end its orca breeding programme and take what it called a "new direction" after coming under increasing pressure from social campaigns and critics.
Since the release of acclaimed documentary Blackfish, people have tirelessly campaigned for the controversial park to end captive breeding of killer whales.
The documentary's director, Gabriela Cowperthwaite, called it "a defining moment."
On the company's blog, SeaWorld announced they will be phasing out theatrical performances featuring orcas over the next three years.
"We will introduce new, inspiring, natural orca encounters rather than theatrical shows, as part of our ongoing commitment to education, marine science research and the rescue of marine animals," they said.
A statement has also been released:
"SeaWorld has been listening and we're changing. Society is changing and we're changing with it.
"SeaWorld is finding new ways to continue to deliver on our purpose to inspire all our guests to take action to protect wild animals and wild places."
It's been a long time coming, but this is the news we have all been waiting for.
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