SeaWorld Confesses Employees Went Undercover To Spy On Activists

By Carlo Monzon
SeaWorld
Visitors are greeted by an Orca killer whale as they attend a show featuring the whales during a visit to the animal theme park SeaWorld in San Diego, California March 19, 2014.  REUTERS/Mike Blake

SeaWorld has admitted to using spies to infiltrate animal activist groups such as the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals or PETA. Based on the statement issued by the marine theme park, these spies are employees of the company.

The confirmation was made by Joel Manby, the chief executive officer of SeaWorld while addressing analysts. According to the executive, the practice of sending out spies was for the protection of the park, the visitors, and its staff members, Market Watch reported.

"[The board of directors has] directed management to end the practice in which certain employees posed as animal-welfare activists," Manby said in a statement. "This activity was undertaken in connection with efforts to maintain the safety and security of employees, customers and animals in the face of credible threats."

Based on Manby's explanation, it seems SeaWorld was interested in knowing about the potential plans of activists against the operations of SeaWorld.

The revelation regarding the use of spies was made months after PETA accused the theme park of making its employees go on undercover missions to infiltrate the group. In one of the accusations made by PETA, the group said that an employee of the San Diego branch of Sea World posed as an activist and attended protests directed against the company.

The group noted that the employee was on leave during his or her stint as an undercover activist.

In response, PETA noted that SeaWorld still employs at least one employee who posed as a spy for the company. The group said that this individual's continued employment only means that the company favors its undercover activists more than some of its executives, which have been relieved of their positions within the past few years.

"SeaWorld's latest report confirms not only that the company has employed more than one spy to infiltrate and agitate PETA but also that it values its spies more than the executives who have had their heads chopped off in droves as at least one of its spies is still working at the company," PETA said in a statement according to the Orlando Sentinel.

The matter is the latest issue that can significantly affect the operations of SeaWorld. Its business began to suffer in 2013 after the release of the documentary film "Blackfish," which highlights the effect of captivity on the aggressiveness of killer whales.

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo

Top Stories