Target: Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives
Goal: Prohibit the future capture and breeding of particular cetaceans into captivity.
Whales–specifically orcas, beluga whales, pilot whales, and false killer whales–do not fare well in captive settings. These mammals are highly social, emotionally complex beings who typically live in tight-knit, family units. In the wild, whales and dolphins form life-long bonds with both kin and non-kin, mirroring the intricacy of social relationships as developed between humans.
In captivity, these animals are isolated from others of their species and denied their natural social inclinations. They are not given the opportunity to communicate with others, or partake in coordinated hunts, and are severely deprived of the stimulation that these cognitively advanced individuals so desperately need. Whales require more space than captive enclosures could ever provide, sometimes covering 100 miles in just one day. In essence, captivity fails to provide these intelligent cetaceans with their basic social, physical, and psychological needs.
Currently, there are over 50 of these mammals held in captivity throughout the U.S. Many show signs of extreme distress, engaging in odd behaviors not natural to them in the wild, such as floating motionlessly in their pools for minutes or hours or smashing their heads against the sides of their cages. In fact, many of these animals are treated with ulcer medications and anti-depressants in an attempt to counter the severe psychological trauma they experience. Whales in captivity typically live far shorter lives than those in the wild.
On July 26, 2022, a new bill was introduced to the House to amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act and aid in further protection of these whales. The Strengthening Welfare in Marine Settings (SWIMS) Act, if enacted, would end future capture, breeding, import and export of whales for public display. While whales currently housed at marine parks and aquariums wouldn’t be released under this act, it would force these facilities to transition towards a more humane future.
Whales are not here for our amusement. Sign this petition to encourage legislators to endorse this bill.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Representative Pelosi,
SeaWorld and other marine parks housing cetaceans have been under fire for years due to their apparent inability to provide these intelligent animals with their basic social, physical, and psychological needs. In the wild, whales and dolphins form lifelong social bonds and live in tightly-knit groups of kin and non-kin. They participate in cognitively stimulating activities within these groups, such as coordinated hunting and communication. However, in captivity, these emotionally complex animals are isolated from their species, forced to live among and interact with humans instead. While whales in the wild might swim upwards of 100 miles per day, in captive settings, whales live in pools that are the equivalent of a bathtub.
These highly intelligent beings show signs of extreme distress and, in captivity, lead way shorter lives than their relatives in the wild. Captive whales and other cetaceans have been witnessed displaying behaviors not natural to their wild counterparts, including floating motionlessly in their pools for up to hours–in an apparent sign of stress or boredom–and smashing their heads against the sides of their tanks.
The Strengthening Welfare in Marine Settings (SWIMS) Act, introduced on July 26, 2022, offers hope towards a better future for these animals. If this bill is passed, it will end future capture, breeding, import and export of whales–specifically orcas, beluga whales, pilot whales, and false killer whales–for public display. This means that, though currently captive whales would not be freed, whales in the future would never have to endure the same psychological torture.
We are asking you, Mrs. Pelosi, to please endorse the SWIMS Act. Whales are so much more than our entertainment.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Gordon2448
If this Act is truly sincere, why WOULDN’T all current sea inmates be released if it passes? Think! What are they not telling you? How are they going to subvert it?
The reason is because these “sea inmates” as you call them, have been in captivity for so long that they would not do well in the big ocean. Remember, they are social beings and their family is far gone
So sad but true.
They are not safe in the oceans anymore because of human predators nor are they safe in captivity. It is such a sad situation
Wild caught animals might be releasable but you can’t dump a captive born animal in the ocean and expect it to survive. They can be taught to hunt but can’t be taught how to avoid danger and other things they need to know. They don’t fear humans and would get hurt or killed coming up to boats. Also many captive born orcas are actually hybrids of different ecotypes. They wouldn’t likely be accepted.
These evil people still whales away from their pods away from their families I wish to God somebody would just rip these people away from their families and put them in a very ugly lonely dark place where they will suffer for the rest of their lives
AGREE
Never mind using the words ‘particular crustaceans’ . This should include taking anything out of the oceans. We have killed of the world above the oceans now we are starting on them. Humans greed and the idea that the world exists for their pleasure only disgusts me.
Animals were given to us by God to eat. There’s nothing wrong with eating fish and sea creatures as long as it’s done sustainably.
Also you might have confused crustaceans and cetaceans. Whales are cetaceans.
Animals were not given to us by God to eat. I’m not a religious person but read your bible. People back then were vegetarians. They’re living beings that deserve to live their lives till the end just like we do. Although there are some humans that don’t deserve to live their life to the end. I see that in the news every freaking day.
You said it Kerry, humans are the most wicked animal on the planet & it disgusts me too….all driven by greed to make money. Torah has the right idea too, rip those involved from their families & isolate them – how I wish that could be done! – it would be wonderful karma!.
I agree with you totally, it is tragic.
Nancy Pelosi couldn’t give a damn about whales, she doesn’t care about anything other than making money for herself and her cronies by insider trading. I believe in this cause wholeheartedly and of course I signed it, but to think that this will ever get her attention is beyond a stretch, unfortunately.
tRumptard?
Pelosi been in office way before trump!!! He couldn’t get all he wanted done ,,,, due to her putting up many road blocks……
I thought this was illegal, especially since the movie that exposed Sea World. It should be enforced immediately due to the Extreme Cruelty!!
Trump was a total Crook and asshole and he ruined this country for the four years he was in office. We’ve never seen all these Crazies come out of the closet like they did for his four years in service. He set us back to the 50s.
Asswipe?
I agree totally
This wouldn’t let me edit but the trumptard remark is childish and ignorant. Pelosi on the other hand is awful. Focus…
Totally agree!!!
Ppl have no clue how many years she’s been corrupted along with her husband…..
Coincido totalmente contigo!!!!!
I totally agree!!!
She’s all about herself an greed….. She’s been corrupted along time!!! Innocent ocean life is in danger ,,,, she don’t f***ing care!!!
Monstrous monstrous evil, heartbreaking and horrific, karma is theirs – I feel you, poor lost innocent souls; their blood on your souls
The abuse, torture & murder of the innocents
Some heartbreaks can never be unseen, some horrors never unheard – PLEASE GOD
And the universe weeps tears of blood
Your life as theirs, as their death
THIS IS ANIMAL CRUELTY! They suffer in captivity! END THIS UNNECESSARY AND CRUEL ACTIVITY ….MAKE IT ILLEGAL AND PUNISHABLE! WITH HEFTY FINES.
Leave the whales in the ocean where they are the happiest and where nature intended them TO BE! They are not here for human amusement and profit!!
IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT the new bill to amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act be passed to completely protect whales, orcas, beluga whales, pilot whales, and false killer whales. …and with a full proof plan to free all those in captivity..!
STOP ALL ANIMAL CRUELTY OF ALL KIND TOWARDS WHALES AS WELL AS ALL OTHER ANIMALS IN THE WORLD IMMEDIATELY!!!!
I THOUGHT WE WERE BETTER THAN THIS. OTHER COUNTRIES WATCH WHAT WE DO. WHAT A TERRIBLE EXAMPLE WE SEND TO THEM. WE SHOULD NOT BE PUTTING THESE POOR ANIMALS ON EXIBIT. SEA WORLD AND OTHERS DO NOT HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE OR FACILITIES TO DO THIS CRAP. THESE SEA CREATORS OF GODS SHOULD BE LEFT ALONE, NOT TO BE PARADED AROUND FOR SHOW. IF THEY WANT TO SEE THEM RENT A CRUISE LINER AND SEE WERE THEY ARE HAPPY. PLESE SIGN A BILL FOR THIS IN OUR COUNTRY TO BE PROHIBITED. THIS THE HUMANE THING TO DO, WHICH SHOWS WE PRACTICE WHAT WE PREACH.
It’s beyond sad keeping wildlife in captivity continues in the USA. We have YouTube and ppl can watch wild animals there or pay $45 and go whale watching and witness these same orcas happy in the WILD!
The US government does not care— it does not matter which political party it is.
True!! Pelosi does not care about precious marine life and the horrrbile suffering!!!
You think this petition should be sent to Pelosi, you/ we need to send to someone that will actually do something. All this POS cares about is herself and all the insider trading to benefit only her and her husband!! Also, she believes in full term abortion, do you really think she gives a hoot about any animal???? please reconsider sending this to someone that will listen and TRY to do something!!! I’m signing.
Couldn’t agree more Dianne
The Strengthening Welfare in Marine Settings Act, would end future capture, breeding, import and export of whales for public display. It’s time American Politicians takes into consideration that the lives of Marine life deserve to live out their lives in their natural habitats and not in Captivity for purposes of public display.
I will never visit a place that keeps these animals imprisoned in these dreadful places. It would be like condemning a human to spend their whole life in a bathroom.
Let these animals live the natural lives they are supposed to live.
Why can’t humans just leave the sea animals alone?
Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives
Prohibit the future capture and breeding of particular precious and innocent cetaceans into captivity.
This EXTREME ENVIRONMENTAL CRIME must END, NOW!!!!
This capture must be PROHIBITED and those involved harshly punished!
Whales belong to planet Earth, not to the the U.S. only!
GO VEGAN, and ALL animals will STOP being exploited. Our planet is ONE BIG SLAUGHTERHOUSE, and whales are part of it.
They should leave them in the natural