SeaWorld, a US chain of marine amusement parks, has admitted that its employees infiltrated animal rights groups in order to spy on them. The company has been the target of protests for years over allegations from animal welfare groups that large mammals displayed in the park are mistreated. In an interview with Reuters, CEO Jim Atchison said he was “deeply sorry” and would take steps “to make sure this never happens again.” SeaWorld has now acknowledged that employees were sent to those protests posing as animal rights activists. The admission came after People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) accused a park employee of spying on them. SeaWorld has said the practice will now cease.
SeaWorld, a US chain of marine amusement parks, has admitted that its employees infiltrated animal rights groups in order to spy on them. The company has been the target of protests for years over allegations from animal welfare groups that large mammals displayed in the park are mistreated. Protests have grown more frequent since the 2013 documentary “Blackfish” raised questions over the conditions under which the company keeps killer whales. SeaWorld has now acknowledged that employees were sent to those protests posing as animal rights activists. The admission came after People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) accused a park employee of spying on them. SeaWorld has said the practice will now cease.