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Tell Congress that Whales Do Not Belong in Captivity!

Dear John,

The Strengthening Welfare in Marine Settings (SWIMS) Act (H.R.8514/S.4740) would phase out the captivity of orcas (also known as killer whales), beluga whales, pilot whales, and false killer whales. Specifically, it would prohibit the breeding, taking (wild capture), and import/export of these species for purposes of public display.

In captivity, whales are severely confined, sometimes isolated, and often die prematurely. Science increasingly supports the conclusion that due to these species' size, as well as their physiological, emotional, and social needs, they cannot thrive in captivity.

The current global population of captive whales has two sources--wild capture and captive breeding programs. In the United States, approximately 60 of these whales are living in captivity from these sources. Although a wild capture of a whale has not occurred in US waters since the 1970s, and wild-caught whales from other parts of the world have not been imported for 30 years, federal permits can still be issued for capture or import.

The SWIMS Act would prohibit these practices, but would not prohibit the continued holding of animals currently in captivity, thus allowing marine theme parks and aquariums time to transition to a more humane future.

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What You Can Do

Please urge your federal legislators to cosponsor the SWIMS Act ([link removed]) to ensure the inhumane practice of keeping orcas, beluga whales, pilot whales, and false killer whales captive for public display ends in the United States. Then, share this action with family, friends, and co-workers, and encourage them to contact their legislators too.

As always, thank you very much for your help!

Sincerely,

Cathy Liss
President

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Animal Welfare Institute
900 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20003
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The Animal Welfare Institute is a not-for-profit organization, founded in 1951 and dedicated to reducing animal suffering caused by people. We seek better treatment of animals everywhere: in the laboratory, on the farm, in commerce, at home, and in the wild.

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