Advertisement

Heart cancels gig at SeaWorld over 'Blackfish'

ORLANDO, Fla., Dec. 8 (UPI) -- U.S. rock band Heart said they canceled a February concert at SeaWorld in Orlando, Fla., in response to the documentary "Blackfish."

"Heart has chosen to decline their forthcoming performance at SeaWorld on 2/9/14 due to the controversial documentary film 'Black Fish,'" the band's Twitter account said.

Advertisement

Sisters Nancy and Ann Wilson didn't elaborate about their decision to cancel the gig, CNN reported Sunday.

Heart isn't the first band to cite the controversial CNN documentary in its decision to bow out of a show at the Florida park.

Canada's Barenaked Ladies announced they wouldn't play a February concert at SeaWorld after a fan started a petition after viewing the documentary. Willie Nelson also recently canceled a show, but said it was due to a scheduling conflict.

The film questions the safety record at marine parks, though SeaWorld officials said the documentary fails to look at the good the park does.

" 'Blackfish' focuses on a handful of incidents over our long history at the exclusion of everything else," said Michael Scarpuzzi, vice president for zoological operations at San Diego SeaWorld. "Not a single interview with a guest who was inspired and enriched by their experience with killer whales at SeaWorld. Not one visitor who left SeaWorld more aware of the need to preserve the world around them. Not one word about the thousands of ill, orphaned and injured animals rescued by SeaWorld or the millions of dollars we dedicate to supporting conservation and research."

Advertisement

Latest Headlines