7 Ways “Blackfish” Is Making A Major Impact
This post was written by Melissa Cronin on The Dodo.
1. Nearly 21 million viewers watched “Blackfish” when it aired on CNN. It was the highest-ranking CNN film of 2013, and the second most mentioned cable program on Twitter,
2. In 2013, SeaWorld’s attendance was down 4.1 percent versus the previous year — despite the fact that attendance at other parks, like Disneyland and Universal Studios, actually jumped 5.4 percent worldwide. The first quarter of 2014 looks even worse, with a 13 percent drop in attendance and 11 percent fall in profits.
3. In January of 2014, “Blackfish” signed a multi-territory sales deal with NBCUniversal. It will be broadcasted in Asia, Italy, Portugal, Europe, Africa, Scandinavia and Latin America.
4. That past May, 38 members of congress demanded that the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture ensure the humane treatment of orca whales and other marine mammals being held in captivity. Members cited “Blackfish” as their motivation.
5. In March of 2014, “Blackfish” director Gabriela Cowperthwaithe was presented with the Impact Award by the Humane Society of the United States.
6. Just days ago someone changed SeaWorld’s “category” to “Prison & Correctional Facility” on Facebook.
7. Taco Bell severed its partnership with SeaWorld amid “Blackfish” backlash.
