TV Icon Says the Price of Entertainment at Theme Park Is Too
For Immediate Release:
June 6, 2011
Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382
San Diego — "If you're thinking about a trip to SeaWorld, please reconsider," says Bob Barker in his new PETA TV spot, which the animal rights group is launching just in time for summer vacation season. In order to speak directly to seniors—many of whom may be hosting their grandchildren for the summer—PETA is sending the public service announcement out to stations to run during San Diego-area broadcasts of game shows such as The Price Is Right and Jeopardy!.
In the new TV spot, Barker explains that many of the marine mammals in SeaWorld's cramped tanks have been separated from their families—and that several of these intelligent animals have died prematurely. Orcas are intelligent predators who, in the wild, work cooperatively, engage in complex relationships, and swim up to 100 miles every day. Many orcas held captive at SeaWorld were taken from their ocean homes and family pods and are now forced to swim continually in circles in small, barren concrete tanks. Captive orcas live far short of their natural 60-year life expectancy. At least 23 orcas have died in U.S. SeaWorld facilities since 1986—and not one died of old age. "Be a winner for animals," concludes Barker, "by avoiding such sad exhibits."
Last year, Barker joined PETA in calling for the orcas at SeaWorld to be retired to sanctuaries after an animal trainer was severely injured and drowned by a frustrated orca who had previously killed two other people. Barker is part of a long list of celebrities—including Tommy Lee, Matt Damon, Eli Roth, Hayden Panettiere, and Pamela Anderson—who have publicly condemned SeaWorld.
A longtime vegetarian and PETA supporter, Barker was honored with a PETA Humanitarian Award as part of the group's 30th anniversary gala. He recently donated $2.5 million for PETA's new Los Angeles headquarters, which the group named the Bob Barker Building.
Broadcast-quality video footage is available upon request. For more information and to view the video, please visit PETA.org or click here.