Moral Side

The Moral Side of the News (July 4, 2010)

The clergy panel discusses the appointment of Dr. Deonte Hollowell to the Louisville Metro Council seat vacated by the death of George Unseld and the nomination of Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court of the United States.

The Moral Side of the News (February 28, 2010) - Killer Whale at Sea World Kills Trainer

I discovered some interesting things about "Killer Whales" or "Orcas."  They are actually dolphins, not whales. 

Wild Killer Whales are not considered to be a threat to humans.  They have only killed humans while in captivity.

Originally, Killer Whales were called "Whale Killers."  It has been suggested by some that the name change was a marketing strategy to increase the desire of some to view the captive animals interact with their trainers.

Orcas develop certain patholigies in captivity.  The dorsal fin of most males collapses; life expectancy is reduced dramatically; and agressive behavior increases - especially towards humans.  These pathologies are attributed to the stresses of the captive environment.  These animals once captive are never domesticated, and they do not survive being release back into the wild.

It appears to me that Sea World has gone too far in exhibiting this particular animal.  I have no problem with reasonable hunting of Orcas for food and other products as well as capturing them for research and even display.  This particular animal, Tillikum, has killed three trainers.  The moral responsiblity for these deaths rests with Sea World.  Tillikum should be released to fend for himself, or destroyed by Sea World.