PETA Urges San Diego to Rename “SeaWorld Drive” to “Free Corky Drive” in Honor of Captive Orca and Offer Sanctuary Hope
Animal Rights Organization Offers to Cover Cost of New Signage and Host Unveiling Event
San Diego, California, July — In a bold move aimed at sparking change for a long-suffering orca and challenging SeaWorld’s legacy of animal captivity, PETA today called on San Diego to rename “SeaWorld Drive” to “Free Corky Drive.”
The proposed name change is a show of solidarity with Corky, the world’s longest-held captive orca, who has spent over five decades at SeaWorld San Diego. This action comes as SeaWorld reportedly owes the city over twelve million dollars in back rent and fees, making the city’s continued provision of free advertising through “SeaWorld Drive” all the more questionable.
Corky’s Plight and Lolita’s Legacy: A Story of Captivity and Loss
Corky’s story is one of immense suffering and loss. Captured in nineteen sixty-nine off the coast of British Columbia, she has spent more than fifty-four years confined to concrete tanks, a stark contrast to the vast expanse of the ocean that should be her home. Over the decades, Corky has witnessed the death of her offspring and endured a life stripped of its natural behaviors and social bonds.
Corky’s plight tragically mirrors that of Lolita, the orca who recently passed away at the Miami Seaquarium after decades of confinement. Lolita’s death, which sparked global outrage and highlighted the cruel realities of keeping these highly intelligent and social animals in captivity, serves as a stark reminder that time is running out for Corky.
“Free Corky Drive” – A Beacon of Hope for Corky and a Statement Against Captivity
Renaming “SeaWorld Drive” to “Free Corky Drive” represents far more than just a symbolic gesture; it’s a powerful statement against animal exploitation and a beacon of hope for Corky’s future. The proposed name change carries a message of compassion, urging San Diego to acknowledge the inherent cruelty of keeping orcas in captivity and to take a stand for Corky’s right to a more natural life.
Imagine a “Free Corky Drive” sign greeting visitors, not as a celebration of captivity, but as a promise of a brighter future. A future where Corky could experience the joy of deeper dives, the exhilaration of swimming vast distances, and even the possibility of reuniting with her family pod in a seaside sanctuary.
Contrast this vision with the current “SeaWorld Drive” signage, which serves as free advertising for an organization that continues to profit from animal suffering. It’s a stark reminder of the city’s implicit endorsement of SeaWorld’s practices, despite growing public concern over orca captivity.
SeaWorld’s Financial Woes and San Diego’s Ethical Dilemma
The call for “Free Corky Drive” comes at a time when SeaWorld is facing significant financial challenges, reportedly owing San Diego over twelve million dollars in back rent and fees. This raises a crucial question: Why is the city providing free advertising, in the form of “SeaWorld Drive,” to a company that has failed to meet its financial obligations and continues to engage in ethically questionable practices?
California has long been at the forefront of animal welfare, being the first state to ban orca breeding for entertainment purposes. Renaming “SeaWorld Drive” would further solidify San Diego’s position as a progressive city committed to animal welfare and send a powerful message that the exploitation of orcas for profit is no longer acceptable.
PETA Pledges Support for “Free Corky Drive,” Calls on Mayor Gloria to Take Action
PETA is so committed to seeing Corky retired to a seaside sanctuary and “SeaWorld Drive” renamed in her honor that the organization has offered to cover the entire cost of replacing the signage. They’ve also pledged to host a celebratory unveiling event, turning what could be seen as a simple name change into a powerful public demonstration of support for Corky and all captive orcas.
This event would provide a platform to share Corky’s story with the world, highlighting the plight of captive orcas and galvanizing support for their retirement to seaside sanctuaries. It’s an opportunity for San Diego to become a beacon of hope for captive marine animals everywhere.
PETA is urging Mayor Gloria to seize this opportunity to make a real difference for Corky, for animal welfare, and for San Diego’s image. Renaming “SeaWorld Drive” to “Free Corky Drive” is not just about changing a sign; it’s about choosing compassion over captivity, hope over exploitation, and aligning the city’s actions with its progressive values.
A Legacy of Hope: Giving Corky the Retirement She Deserves
“For over five decades, Corky has endured the soul-crushing confines of a concrete tank, deprived of everything that is natural and important to her,” says PETA President Ingrid Newkirk. “Renaming ‘SeaWorld Drive’ to ‘Free Corky Drive’ would be a testament to San Diego’s commitment to compassion and a powerful symbol of hope for her long-awaited freedom.”
Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman adds, “Corky’s story is a stark reminder that our actions have consequences, and the time to act is now. We urge Mayor Gloria to join us in righting this wrong and giving Corky the retirement she deserves.”
Take Action: Visit PETA.org to learn more about Corky, the “Free Corky Drive” campaign, and how you can help make a difference for orcas in captivity.
About PETA
PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing and protecting the rights of all animals. With more than nine million members and supporters worldwide, PETA focuses its attention on the four areas in which the largest numbers of animals suffer the most intensely for the longest periods of time: in laboratories, in the food industry, in the clothing trade, and in the entertainment industry. PETA works through public education, cruelty investigations, research, animal rescues, legislation, special events, celebrity involvement, and protest campaigns.